The unexpected nature of Viktor's request wasn’t just surprising in its content—it was his calm, matter-of-fact tone that sent Luise into fits of laughter.

Clapping her hands, she laughed uncontrollably for a long time before finally wiping tears from her eyes.

“Well, of course. You wouldn’t make an ordinary request, would you?”

Viktor sat steady and serious, watching her.

“You’re asking me to become the absolute ruler in practice, aren’t you?”
“Yes, and the reason is...”
“No, you don’t need to explain.”

Still catching her breath, Luise stood up and slowly approached him.

“The stronger my power, the more advantageous it is for you. Or maybe there’s another reason. But it doesn’t matter. I’ve already decided to accept your request.”

Walking behind Viktor, she gently placed her arms around his shoulders.

“What I’m curious about isn’t your reason—it’s the method. I’ll do my best, of course, but stripping power from nobles who’ve governed their regions for generations won’t be easy, will it?”
“...That’s correct.”
“How do you suggest I proceed?”

Luise pulled him closer, pressing the back of his head lightly against her chest.

“Should I become a tyrant and crush them with sheer force? Or should I strengthen my power steadily and gradually strip away theirs?”
“...”
“Hmm? I’m not yet familiar with human politics. I’d like you to suggest an appropriate path that aligns with your goals.”

She leaned down, whispering into his ear.

Despite the softness pressing against him from behind, Viktor remained composed.

“Simply continue as you’ve been.”
“...?”

Her playful demeanor faltered at his short response, her fingers trembling slightly.

“What do you mean by that?”
“Exactly what I said. Your Majesty need only continue to build your position without provoking the nobles unnecessarily.”

Viktor gently removed her arms from his shoulders, stood, and turned to face her.

“There’s no need for dangerous policies or forcibly suppressing the nobles.”
“...”

Luise swallowed unconsciously as she met his steady gaze.

“Since you’ve appointed me as the commander of a personal corps, the nobles will see my actions as your will.”
“...So?”
“I will continue to achieve accomplishments that no one can question or criticize. Those accomplishments will become yours, forcing the nobles to bow their heads without resistance.”

Viktor knelt on one knee before her with unwavering determination.

“Please use me to become the Empire’s absolute ruler.”
“...”
“I will ensure that the arrogant nobles dare not raise their heads and that they obey your every word. I will do everything in my power to make it so.”

At that moment, Luise realized why Viktor had been so cautious with his second request.

Though she couldn’t fathom the exact reason behind his bold demand, she didn’t need to.

“Rise.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”

Luise smiled faintly.

“I never go back on my promises.”
“...”
“Just as you asked, I will reign as the absolute ruler of this Draconian Empire. But, of course, in my own way—Luise Zainburg’s way.”

Everything about Viktor’s words and actions ignited her anticipation. She couldn’t resist the urge to see where his story would lead, even if it ended in the overthrow of her throne, the collapse of the Empire, or, at worst, the abrupt conclusion of her little game.

“And one more thing,” she said.

“...”

“I won’t ask for anything else, but I hope you’ll grant me this one favor.”
“...What is it?”
“Until the story reaches its conclusion, promise me you won’t run away.”

Her voice carried an unfamiliar flutter as she made her final request. Viktor couldn’t see it, but her cheeks flushed a deep red.

Though she had phrased it indirectly, Viktor understood immediately.

“I will never run away.”
“...Good.”

Without warning, Luise wrapped her arms around him tightly. Unbeknownst to her, the gesture was almost instinctive, like marking her territory.

“I hope you’ll continue to surpass my expectations.”
“...”
“Do your best, just as you said.”
“...Understood.”
“Well then, I’ll be off.”

With those parting words, Luise released him, adjusted her attire, and headed toward the balcony doors.

“Won’t you watch the festival?” Viktor asked, turning to her retreating figure.

“I no longer need to.”

With her vertically slit pupils reflecting his image, she opened the balcony doors and whispered softly, ensuring no one else could hear:

“Because you won’t run away.”

Returning to the banquet hall, she was greeted by her attendants.

“Your Majesty, you’ve returned.”
“Indeed. Many await me, so I must move quickly.”

With the composure of the ever-cold Empress Luise Zainburg, she resumed her duties.

---

The outcome had been favorable, but the conversation with Luise left much to ponder.

Before returning to the banquet hall, I sat in a chair, replaying our discussion in my mind.

"Well, she accepted in the end..."

What caught me off guard wasn’t the content of our dialogue but her behavior during it—particularly her reaction to my second proposal.

My request was meant to avoid repeating the disaster of the Lus Kingdom. Persuading Luise alone seemed far simpler than convincing the divided nobles.

However, she didn’t stop at mere acceptance. She kept probing me about how to achieve her goals.

"…Hmm."

And then there were her physical gestures.

Twice, she embraced me, and both times, I could hear her heart pounding loudly.

Even accounting for the fact that her body was created for the game, this was hard to dismiss lightly. Could she really have been that pleased by my request to strengthen her authority?

Such actions were never depicted in the game. While she may have enjoyed humans, this level of physical closeness was a different matter entirely.

Perhaps it was akin to how humans playfully hug dogs? But even if I encountered a dog that could converse with me, work alongside me, and even dress itself, I doubt my heart would race just from hugging it.

And her final request—asking me not to run away—remains ambiguous. Was she referring to staying within the Empire or implying something more, like survival itself?

Her words were simple, but the intent behind them felt anything but trivial.

"…I don’t get it."

I shook my head.

She’s intelligent; she’ll handle things well on her end. As long as I focus on my tasks, there shouldn’t be any problems.

Though the weight of her expectations was heavy, such pressure often drives one to perform at their best.

At least until I end this "crisis" and complete the conquest of the world, I have no plans to leave the Empire.

"Now, the West… hmm."

I naturally began considering my next target: the Western nations.

If trouble arises in the South, I’ll head there first, but otherwise, the West, with its lucrative trade centers, will be my goal.

The Western continent is dominated by commercial states in fierce competition. Their abundance of mercenaries and vast wealth makes conquest difficult.

To address this, I’ve devised a strategy involving a deal with the Kingdom of Anchester.

The Dwarven kingdoms in the Empire’s southwest remain highly insular, and few are aware that they’ve likely already developed flintlock muskets. Their isolation and lack of major wars have slowed the spread of this technology.

At present, some Western mercenaries likely use hand cannons or early matchlock guns, purchased at exorbitant prices. My plan is to leverage Luise’s resources to acquire them on a larger scale.

The Red Dragon Corps will primarily consist of artillery and musketeers, with the existing Imperial forces used as infantry.

As a corps directly under the Emperor, I can coordinate operations with other units as long as Luise or Gerhardt approves.

Early firearms are, of course, far from perfect, and the Dwarves will undoubtedly attempt to sell outdated matchlocks at high prices. But I’ve already accounted for this.

I’m no engineering expert who knows every detail of firearm mechanics, but I have enough knowledge to make improvements.

Lost in these thoughts, with the distant sound of the festival in the background—

Swish.

"General Viktor?"
"…Anna?"

Anna entered through the balcony doors, looking slightly pouty.

I greeted her as usual.

"What were you discussing with Her Majesty? Don’t tell me it was work, even here?"
"…Ahem. Her Majesty wanted a more detailed report."
"You were gone for quite a while. Did she issue any new orders? If so, I suppose I shouldn’t ask."

She approached and, standing behind me, began massaging my shoulders firmly.

"You seem to be overworking yourself, and I’m worried. Shouldn’t you enjoy the banquet? I’ve heard your kingdom never held events like this."
"…That’s true."
"There will always be work tomorrow, the day after, and next week. For now, please focus on the banquet."

Her slightly subdued voice carried genuine concern, and I couldn’t ignore it. Swallowing a sigh, I rose from my seat.

"…Did I hurt you?"
"No, I’m fine. Let’s go."
"Yes, General."

While enjoying the banquet would be challenging, I returned to the hall, as Anna suggested.

The room was still lively.

"Ah, General Viktor! There you are."
"Grand Marshal Gerhardt."
"Haha! It still feels strange to address you that way, but it suits you. So, how does it feel to lead the Red Dragon Corps?"
"I’m honored by Her Majesty’s trust, of course."

As expected, Gerhardt and several nobles approached to strike up conversations.

"I hear you’ve been placed in command of Her Majesty’s personal corps."
"That’s correct."
"I’d like to support Her Majesty’s corps in any way I can. What do you think?"
"Hmm…"

Not wanting to antagonize anyone, I engaged with nobles from both imperialist and aristocratic factions, carefully discerning their hidden motives. Time flew by in the process.

"…Could you stop looking at me like that? It makes me feel guilty."
"You said you’d enjoy the banquet, but it seems the event is already winding down."
"That does appear to be the case."

Before I realized it, the hall had grown quiet, with many guests having already departed.

Anna, who had been moving tirelessly, now showed faint signs of fatigue.

"Would you mind if I took a bottle? I tried some earlier, and the flavor was excellent."
"Of course. Here, take this. Do you need a glass?"
"No, this will do."
"…General?"

I held up the unopened bottle I’d just received from a servant and showed it to her.

"Why don’t we have a drink and relax?"
"…"

I hadn’t forgotten that Anna had mentioned wanting to speak with me privately before Luise called me over.

"Don’t want to?"
"I’d like that."

Anna and I found a quiet spot, sharing drinks and conversation as our only companions.

Her face quickly turned red, and her expression softened more than usual, likely because the alcohol had yet to fully wear off.

"Will you tell me now?"
"Hmm. Well, I can’t deny that the Empire’s wine surpasses that of the kingdom."
"…"

It was a pleasant moment.