Entir, Gard, Carpe, Havana, Doom, Yulkanes.

The conversation between the six began in a similar manner to typical exchanges at banquets, with familiar postures and tones.

Each held a wine glass, gathering in a corner, having secured a secluded spot.

The only difference was the soundproof barrier cast by Yulkanes around them.

“You’ve been acting quite strange lately.”

“Strange? How so? I can’t say I’ve noticed.”

Havana and Entir spoke with a mix of familiarity and measured distance.

“You don’t know? Lately…! You’ve been far too cozy with the Noble Council! Not to mention trying to bridge the gap between the Church and the Council! Are you in your right mind? Do you not realize your wife is a staunch supporter of the Orthodoxy?”

Entir inwardly sneered at his wife’s words.

‘She doesn’t even mention how the frequency of her letters has sharply declined. Nor does she bring up the fact that the Northern knights killed those who once spied on me.’

He gazed at the woman he had once loved more than anyone.

‘And above all, she shows no concern that I risked my life traveling to the North alone.’

Disgust and anger threatened to boil over, but he concealed his true feelings with the composure of a seasoned merchant.

“Well, it couldn’t be helped, could it? I’ve become a merchant who specializes in Northern goods.”

“Even so, aren’t you distancing yourself too much from the Imperial Court?”

“Elisha, my love. As you know, the North isn’t on good terms with the Royal Family. Do you have any idea how difficult it is to secure an exclusive supply contract with the Northern Grand Duchy?”

“…”

Elisha von Havana furrowed her brow at Entir’s words.

Though something felt off, she couldn’t find a suitable counterargument.

“Thanks to our exclusive contract with the North, Bishop Company is experiencing unprecedented prosperity. This has also greatly benefited the Marquisate of Havana.”

“…”

With Entir’s explanation, Havana was left with nothing to say.

After all, her coffers had grown considerably lately, and the quality of supplies sent to soldiers and knights on the Western Front had noticeably improved.

“It’s all for survival. Please convey to His Majesty that I’m doing this because I trust you, his loyal servant.”

“…Fine. I’ll do my best to persuade His Majesty.”

“Thank you. I have faith in you, my beloved wife, Elisha.”

Havana smiled faintly at what seemed to be Entir’s unchanged expression of affection.

In the past, such a smile would have pleased him. Now, it didn’t.

‘It’s mockery.’

It was clear to him now that her smile was nothing but derision.

“Well, I’ll be going now.”

“Take care.”

As their conversation concluded, Havana departed without hesitation.

‘I’ve neglected myself too much lately.’

Her heated body urged her to meet the Emperor as soon as possible.

“But… who is that mercenary by your side? They seem quite skilled.”

There was one thing she wanted to confirm before leaving: the androgynous Northern mercenary who had recently been guarding her husband.

‘That mercenary must have been the one to handle the spies tailing my husband.’

Her instincts as a Sword Master told her that this mercenary was no ordinary individual.

‘And… there’s something oddly unpleasant about them. They seem familiar for some reason.’

The Marchioness of Havana studied Carpe, who was disguised as Phil and standing beside Entir, tilting her head.

Her gaze was a mix of “I’ve seen them somewhere before” and “Why hasn’t someone of their skill gained notoriety?”

“They’re a skilled operative from the North. Their name is Phil. Apparently, one of Swordmaster Balzac’s disciples.”

Entir answered Havana’s question with practiced ease.

“Is that so?”

“Yes. So don’t worry about me and return to His Majesty’s side. With Duke Doom here, I truly worry for the safety of the Golden Throne.”

“…Very well.”

Maintaining his mask until the very end, Entir watched his wife leave, still playing the role of a loving husband.

‘Even my employer isn’t normal.’

‘It’s no wonder he became the Empire’s greatest merchant.’

Both Carpe and Gard, aware of the situation, marveled at Entir’s performance.

“Lord Gard, is it?”

“Yes, that’s correct, Lord of the Golden Tower.”

Gard’s moment of admiration was abruptly cut short.

“I have a question about Count Arad Jin.”

“…About the count?”

“Yes. Can you tell me everything you know about him?”

“Everything?”

“Yes, everything.”

“Of course. Count Arad Jin resides in Haven in the North…”

At Yulkanes’ request, Gard began recounting all the information he knew about Arad Jin.

‘What’s happening?’

The problem was Gard’s behavior. He was divulging details, even unnecessary ones, as if compelled to do so.

“…That’s all.”

Fortunately, Gard’s connection to Arad wasn’t deep enough for him to reveal anything beyond publicly known information.

“Hm… Is that really all you know?”

After hearing Gard’s account, Yulkanes tilted his head thoughtfully.

The golden eyes of the middle-aged mage flickered strangely before returning to normal.

However, none of those present noticed the subtle change.

“Who are they? Who could they be?”

Muttering to himself, Yulkanes left the banquet hall without so much as a word of thanks to Gard.

“…”

Like someone snapping out of a trance, Gard stared blankly at the direction Yulkanes had disappeared.

“Carpe.”

“Call me Phil. What if Elisha overheard?”

Meanwhile, beside Entir, Duke Doom and Carpe, still disguised as Phil, began speaking quietly.

They had waited to ensure Havana didn’t notice Carpe’s true identity.

“The Golden Tower’s lord set up a soundproof barrier. It’ll last for another thirty minutes. And it seems Havana won’t realize anything unless she’s directly told.”

“That idiot? She always relies on her aides to plan strategies and tactics.”

Havana’s lack of intelligence was a well-known fact.

Few of the operations or businesses she personally devised had ever succeeded.

Her repeated failures in reckless ventures were widely known across the Empire.

If not for her marriage to Entir, she would have lost her lands and been reduced to a mere titleholder.

“In any case, that’s a relief.”

The Duke of Darkness allowed a faint smirk to cross his otherwise stoic face.

“What is?”

“We avoided Havana discovering your identity, so we’ve spared ourselves some ridicule.”

“Ah, you mean the time she threw a fit when you invited me to the Great Barrier?”

“Yes.”

Carpe allowed himself a triumphant grin.

“Turns out you’ve been busy playing escort.”

“Thanks to whom, I wonder.”

“I apologize for that. Those who insulted you and your mercenaries back then are all dead now.”

“Forget it.”

Carpe’s resolute refusal.

Without any change in his expression, Doom continued speaking.

“The Mongar Orcs are stirring.”

“Hah! When haven’t they been acting suspicious?”

“This time is different. It’s a great invasion—something that happens once in a century.”

“And what’s that got to do with me?”

“…Have you considered coming back? I’ll double your pay compared to before, and you’ll hold a position equivalent to that of a deputy commander.”

“I’m happy with things as they are now. At least I don’t have to deal with irritating situations while I work.”

“Is that so? I see.”

“…? Well, that’s good to hear. I can’t stand men who are overly persistent.”

“I’m just thankful you haven’t turned to the Empire’s enemies.”

“Sounds like there’s another reason.”

“This time, I feel like testing myself in the most extreme situations.”

“…You’re as crazy as ever.”

“I’ll take that as a compliment.”

Doom’s gaze shifted to Entir, who was standing beside Carpe.

Entir might eventually become an enemy of the Royal Family, but he wasn’t yet a foe of the Empire. Not for now.

That was why Doom decided to wait and observe for the time being.

“In exchange, when your current contract ends, I’d like you to prioritize me for the next one.”

“Fine! That much is manageable.”

Doom knew the former Mercenary King standing before him all too well.

Threatening him with breaches of contract, desertion, or assaulting Imperial soldiers wouldn’t work at all.

If anything, Carpe would defy him out of sheer spite and align himself with the North or the Kingdoms’ Alliance.

“I’m glad we’re able to have a proper conversation.”

“Is that so? Did you transform into that form because of me?”

“Partly because of you, partly because of that woman Havana.”

“I see.”

With that, Carpe and Doom’s conversation came to an end.

And so did the banquet.

Afterward, Gard and Entir stayed to witness the coronation ceremony and attended just one formal banquet.

Then, using work as an excuse, they hurriedly left the Imperial Palace.

***

The Northern Territory of the Empire.
The main stronghold of the Northern Grand Duchy, Renslet Citadel.

The headquarters of Arad Company, the official merchant guild of the Grand Duchy, and the residence of Arad Jin, the wizard of the North.

“So, you’re saying the Emperor personally requested that I come to the Imperial Palace?”

“That is correct.”

“And he even swore on the Golden Throne to ensure my safety?”

“Not just the Emperor, but also the Lord of the Golden Tower and the Archbishop took the same oath.”

“Oh my.”

Having returned to the Renslet Citadel, Gard, after his audience with Arina, came straight to me.

“What will you do?”

Gard asked cautiously.

“What does Her Highness the Grand Duchess think?”

“She said she will follow your decision, Sir Arad.”

“Hmm…”

It was a request from the Emperor, backed by oaths no less.

Even in a hostile relationship, it was difficult to ignore such a gesture outright.

“Sorry I’m late.”

“Oh! Mary.”

At that moment, Mary arrived at the office, looking unusually disheveled.

“What brings you to my home—no, the company headquarters today?”

“Well, I heard you were here, Sir.”

After exchanging a brief greeting with me, Mary, looking as anxious as a puppy needing to relieve itself, asked hesitantly.

“Um… I heard the Emperor is requesting to meet you, Sir.”

“So the rumors have already spread?”

“Oh…! Yes…”

I looked steadily at Mary and Gard before finally speaking.

“I’m not going.”

“What… What?”

“?!”

My firm response caused a mix of confusion, relief, and worry to flash across their faces.

“But… this is a matter involving the honor of the Emperor, the Archbishop, and the Lord of the Golden Tower…”

Gard was the first to voice his unease, his eyes betraying his anxiety.

Even with the bold spirit of a Northerner, it wasn’t unreasonable for him to feel uneasy.

In the worst-case scenario, he could face the risk of execution during the next envoy mission.

“Lord Gard, I simply cannot trust their oaths.”

I met Gard’s uneasy and questioning gaze and continued.

“Upon closer consideration, I see escape clauses in every one of their vows.”

“Escape clauses?”

“Yes. The Emperor’s authority, the power of the Tower, and the voice of the Church—all of these guarantees apply only within the bounds of their influence. This means they offer no protection in areas outside their reach.”

“And areas beyond the Emperor’s authority would be…?”

“The borderlands between the North and the Empire, or territories controlled by anti-Imperial nobles. Church-administered manors wouldn’t be bad options either.”

How many times have I dealt with these scheming types?

I immediately saw through the Emperor’s intentions.

“They will try to entice me first. If that fails, they’ll lure me to a territory controlled by anti-Imperial factions. There, they’ll attempt assassination or abduction.”

If that happens, the Emperor can shift the blame onto the noble faction.

And if the sworn Tower or Church branches are present in the noble’s territory, their reputations will take a significant hit.

“The reverse could also happen. The Church could use this vow to orchestrate my assassination within the capital or an Imperial domain. It would be a perfect opportunity to tarnish the Emperor’s dignity.”

“There are Church-run chapels in the Imperial domains.”

“Why do you think the Archbishop swore on the ‘voice of the Church’ rather than the ‘voice of the gods’? The Church’s voice is limited to Church-run chapels and manors under its management.”

“...!”

I wasn’t entirely sure why the Tower was involved, but regardless, both the Imperial Court and the Church could easily exploit my visit as a chance for political maneuvering.

‘No matter how high my Luck stat is, there’s no way I’ll come out unscathed!’

Luck stats aren’t omnipotent. Even they abandon adrenaline and endorphin-addicted fools who recklessly dive headlong into disaster.

“In other words, I’d need to become the Empire’s top escape artist to survive.”

“Escape… what?”

“Nothing. Forget I said anything.”