The emperor's face flushed a deep red, his expression breaking into a broad grin.

Every ruler in this world—including myself—would never refuse an opportunity to tighten their grip on power. To climb higher, there are even those willing to risk their lives.

‘And that includes emperors, even if there's no position higher than theirs.’

“It sounds like a dream come true,” he said, his voice tinged with wonder.

In the Toscano Empire, plagues were synonymous with terror. Once they began spreading, the elderly, spouses, children—no one was spared. The illness consumed people with horrifying speed, reducing a healthy individual to …