"I commend you for your achievements in resolving this recent incident."

"I am deeply grateful, Your Majesty."

For the second time since the Abyssal Cult incident, Rupert entered the imperial court. The solemn atmosphere still made him tense, but this time, at least, there was no audience, which offered some relief. Still, meeting with the Emperor one-on-one was daunting in itself.

"Though I’d like to celebrate your accomplishments more grandly, given the sensitivity of the situation, I hope you understand the need for this private acknowledgment."

"It is no problem at all, Your Majesty."

The crisis involving the creatures of the night had been altered in the official records before being disclosed to the public. The reason lay with the elves.

"Of course, it’s not something I hold against you personally, but if word spread that a renegade from the elves caused such harm to the empire’s citizens, it would inevitably lead to unfortunate consequences."

Due to the past racial wars, many non-human races had ceased interactions with humans, with elves being one of the few groups still maintaining some level of exchange. Revealing the truth of this incident risked severing that fragile connection, so the Emperor had removed all mentions of the elves from the official records.

"Baron Sleepy stood as a model noble, fighting to the last breath against those who threatened the empire and safeguarding his people. Therefore, I hereby elevate him to the rank of Viscount, granting the Sleepy family the hereditary right to this title."

The greatest benefit from these changes went to the Sleepy family, a proposal initiated by Rupert.

"What if we credit Baron Sleepy and his men with defeating Satanail and the creatures of the night?"

Since the role of the Crimson Warden and allied forces had been concealed, weakening the image of Satanail was also necessary. Thus, the official account would record that Baron Sleepy had bravely wielded his sword, defeating hundreds of enemies before finally falling from exhaustion.

Satanail might have been outraged at the thought of being reduced to a mere adversary for a local lord, but being dead, he had no say in the matter.

"Was Baron Sleepy really that skilled with a sword?"

"Not really... I knew the Baron for years, and he was never one to wield a sword like a warrior."

"Are you insulting an imperial hero? The Emperor would never speak falsely!"

Those who knew the late Baron found the story suspicious but dared not speak against the new imperial hero, now Viscount Sleepy.

Thus, Viscount Sleepy became a hero of the empire.

"Thank goodness! I wanted to rush straight to Somerset myself, but everyone, including Father, stopped me…."

With the commendation ceremony concluded, Crown Prince Alex greeted Rupert. After hearing that Ada and Rupert had been in danger, he’d been desperate to head to Somerset, only held back by the Emperor’s orders.

"Ada wasn’t hurt, was she?"

"She is safe and sound, Your Highness."

Rupert sighed inwardly at Alex’s concern for Ada.

‘I really need to teach Ada some caution.’

In truth, Ada was more likely to injure someone else, but Rupert knew that telling Alex this wouldn’t help, so he stayed quiet.

"Ah, I nearly forgot to offer my congratulations. Your family’s elevation in rank is well deserved."

"Thank you, Your Highness."

"Somerset is now a marquessate. A great honor, certainly, but it will bring more responsibilities as well."

"Indeed, that’s likely."

The Somerset family wasn’t the only one elevated due to this incident. Given the involvement in both the Abyssal Cult case and the Satanail incident, the Emperor had decided to raise the Somerset family to the rank of marquess.

"I must admit, I find it curious that the promotion went through so smoothly."

Earl Bradley, who had remained passive in the matter, was as surprised by the title upgrade as Rupert himself.

The Sleepy family’s elevation from barony to viscounty was understandable; the Emperor had the authority to bestow that title independently. But for a promotion from earl to marquess, a majority vote from the council of nobles was required.

"Considering that certain nobles have not viewed our family’s recent rise kindly, it’s surprising, to say the least."

"Ah… it seems you haven’t heard the latest rumors."

"Rumors?"

"It’s nothing, truly. This isn’t the time to discuss it."

Alex’s words hinted at something more, piquing Rupert’s curiosity, but he could hardly press the Crown Prince for answers.

"While you’re here, why not stop by to see Iolin? I’m sure she’s been worried about you."

Rupert had already planned to visit her, so he nodded in agreement.

"Hm… it seems Father can be rather bold."

Second Prince William murmured to himself as he read a report from his shadow guards.

"It appears the rumors about Rupert Somerset’s potential marriage to the Princess are not baseless."

Being one of the few who knew the full truth about the recent incident, William was convinced that the noble council’s approval of Somerset’s promotion indicated that the rumor was genuine.

"Father must have already laid the groundwork."

A marquessate was a distinguished rank, among the highest titles within the empire’s noble hierarchy, granting influence beyond a single territory. Typically, nobles resisted the rise of new competitors, so even with Somerset’s merits, it was unlikely they’d support such a promotion without persuasion.

Most likely, the Emperor had subtly hinted:

"My daughter, the princess, is of marriageable age. I have Somerset’s second son in mind for her."

The nobles likely welcomed the news, especially since Somerset’s close relationship with the Crown Prince and Third Prince had begun to stir some discomfort among them. A marriage with the princess would tether him closer to the imperial family.

‘If Rupert ties himself to Iolin, he’ll have to temper his ambitions once my brother ascends the throne.’

While Rupert would gain rank and prestige, a connection to the Princess would also restrain his power. With such a logical arrangement, the quick-thinking nobles had readily approved.

"Cancel those plans."

"Yes, Your Highness."

William felt relieved. Rupert’s growing closeness with influential figures within the empire and foreign royalty had raised suspicions, but with the marriage route in play, William’s contingency plans could remain untouched.

"Your Highness, you are truly incredible!"

"Do you really think so?"

"Absolutely! The word ‘genius’ was surely coined for you!"

Voices echoed from Princess Iolin’s quarters, where Rupert was thoroughly engrossed as he examined the manuscript she held.

"This illustration is perfect. It really gives the necessary impact here."

"I knew you’d understand! I included this to keep the final villain a surprise…."

Discussing the latest manuscript for The Puppet Show, Iolin and Rupert seemed as though they were the best of friends.

‘Has Her Highness ever shown such ease with anyone before?’

Chamberlain Aiton observed the scene thoughtfully.

"Verify if the two share romantic feelings," had been the Emperor’s secret order to him.

Allowing Rupert into the Princess’s chambers, Aiton found it hard to view their bond as anything other than a close friendship.

‘What on earth is he looking at?’

Aiton was baffled. Most men couldn’t tear their eyes away from Iolin’s face, but ever since their first meeting, all Rupert had discussed with her was their work.

At that very moment, Rupert was saying,

"What do you think of the name ‘Faceless One’?"

"Faceless One? Ah! That means someone without a face. Quite a fitting title!"

"Doesn’t it suit perfectly?"

Watching the two passionately discuss the manga, Aiton felt equal parts exasperated and relieved.

‘Then again, maybe this is why Her Highness feels at ease around him.’

Since Iolin had never shown interest in any other man, Aiton mused that someone as focused on art as Rupert might indeed suit her.

"But I heard your series White Wasteland is nearing completion soon."

"Yes, Your Highness. I could rush it, but ensuring the quality is my priority, so I’m preparing to wrap it up."

"But then, won’t Manafia’s collection of works feel lacking?"

Iolin thought it was Manafia’s strength to feature multiple works simultaneously. With six series currently in publication, losing even one would leave a significant gap.

"I already have the next project ready."

"Ismael’s already working on the next series?"

"No, I’ll be taking on another one myself."

"What? Aren’t you already busy with Van Helsing?"

Startled, Iolin questioned him. Given how occupied Rupert already was, it seemed impossible that he’d take on another project.

"Wait… are you planning to finish your current series?"

"No, I’ll just be working on an additional one."

"Can you really handle that?"

Since she wasn’t aware of the blessing Rupert had received from the goddess, he could only reassure her with a simple nod.

"If you say it’s possible, then I believe you. But could you give me a hint about this next work?"

"Hm… it’s still a secret, but I suppose I can tell you, Your Highness."

After a moment’s pause, Rupert replied with a grin.

"It’s called The King of Cards."