The Empror's Trap

Besides, how did the well-bred young lady who once eloquently explained the books of sages in front of countless people turn into a socially anxious person who stayed indoors all day, avoided people, and trembled when she did see strangers?

It was truly strange.

Kenji stepped into the familiar courtyard and immediately spotted Lina as he crossed the threshold.

Lina was leaning against a tree in the yard, wearing a simple black coat. She played with a sharp blade in her hands, seemingly to pass the time. When she saw Kenji return, she paused briefly, smiled, and bowed.

"Welcome back, young master."

"Hmm," Kenji nodded as he looked at the composed Lina. "I've heard about everything that happened while I was away. You did well. I'm told you also helped manage household affairs. It's quite remarkable to handle both internal and external matters simultaneously."

"You flatter me, young master. I merely fulfilled my duties."

Regardless of the situation, Lina always maintained her composure and elegance around others. In Kenji's memory, he had always appreciated this quality about her, which, combined with her unwavering loyalty, had led him to trust her unconditionally.

Today's Lina remained just as reliable. Kenji could entrust her with almost any task that needed execution. Though she might not achieve perfection, she would always choose the most prudent approach.

"Her Majesty has granted me the title of Prince. Both you and Siyue deserve significant credit for this. Since Siyue can't currently hold an official position at court, I'm considering appointing you to an official role."

As a Prince, with his own territory, command of significant military forces, and the position of Grand Marshal, Kenji could recommend or even appoint officials for matters related to military and internal security. Now, he hoped to bring Lina into official circles with a moderately important position.

On one hand, this would give Lina her own path rather than merely serving as his attendant—a way to repay his loyal guard. On the other hand, he didn't trust anyone but his most loyal people to lead certain units.

"That's unnecessary, young master. I seek no reward except to remain by your side."

To Kenji's surprise, Lina declined this reward.

"Lina, do you understand what you're saying?"

Her refusal caught him off guard. He knew his guard was loyal, but he hadn't expected her to willingly remain a mere attendant forever.

County magistrates, central officials, and military officers were all eager to please him, hoping he'd assign them reliable positions. Moreover, any position he'd give to his close attendant would certainly be substantial. Refusing this was essentially rejecting potential endless wealth and honor.

"I understand perfectly." Lina looked at him without hesitation. "If you order me to do something, I'll certainly comply. But I cannot accept an official position."

"Because it would take you away from me?"

Kenji understood her meaning.

"Yes."

"You're quite stubborn," Kenji said resignedly. "Don't worry. It's a position that keeps you by my side. The responsibilities aren't overwhelming—significant authority but simple duties. You'd just follow instructions from me or Her Majesty."

"I'd have to listen to her too...?" Lina asked confusedly.

As soon as she spoke, Kenji quickly covered her mouth.

Damn it, could you not use such a disappointed tone? If someone heard this...

Well, nothing serious would happen, but honestly, Her Majesty's blood pressure had been high since her coronation. There was no need to keep raising it—what if the young empress died suddenly at such a young age?

"Keep this quiet for now,. Though it's not exactly a secret, it involves establishing a new department and creating new official positions. Leaking this information wouldn't cause major problems, but I don't want people trampling down my door for these positions."

The role he planned for Lina carried modest rank but significant authority. He still needed to discuss this with Pluvia, and the department wouldn't be formally established for some time. It wasn't appropriate to publicize it yet.

….

"Rest assured, Grand Marshal," Rinas immediately promised.

After this conversation, Kenji invited Rinas inside and asked his steward to select one of his casual outfits for him to change into—Rinas's clothes were filthy from battle.

Even Rinas, accustomed to the Grand Marshal's generosity, felt uncomfortable accepting his superior's personal clothing. But unable to refuse Kenji's repeated orders, he gratefully went to change.

Meanwhile, Kenji went to his study where servants had prepared his usual home attire. Later, he would discuss the military deployments and defenses around Luminara with Rinas.

Servants helped remove his blood-stained armor, followed by his official uniform. Kenji had worn his official attire beneath his armor to avoid being delayed by soldiers who might not recognize him (in this era without internet, many soldiers naturally wouldn't recognize the Grand Marshal). Generally, no loyal troops would hinder someone in this uniform.

"How was it? You must have felt uncomfortable while I was away?"

"Yes, very uncomfortable. After you left, I managed daily affairs adequately and took care of the young lady competently. But it was mentally exhausting."

"Really? It shouldn't be that different with just a change in person."

Kenji stretched his body and glanced back at Lina standing outside the door. Sunlight cast her shadow on the window, giving her a mysterious appearance.

"Sometimes changing people makes a big difference," Lina said softly, then fell silent.

Kenji took this as casual conversation and didn't respond. He finished changing into his casual clothes and opened the door.

Suddenly, a familiar scent greeted him.

Then Kenji felt Lina's soft body abruptly squeeze him.

Honestly, she hugged him so tightly he could barely breathe, but he didn't feel threatened. He struggled slightly, then realizing he couldn't easily break free, gave up.

He could have forced his way out with brute strength, but that would have broken her wrists... better not.

Lina buried her head against his chest and maintained this position for a good ten seconds.

"Welcome home, young master."

"...Thank you for your hard work."

Kenji couldn't think of what else to say and simply stroked her head gently.

"May I cook dinner tonight?" the girl in his arms asked softly.

"Yes."

"And let's talk for a while. You need to relax"

"..." Kenji looked down at her resignedly. "Nothing escapes your notice."

….

In the imperial palace, Pluvia stared at a confidential report, lost in thought.

This absolutely secret document bore the seal of the Celestial Master's Office.

The contents made her think they were being rather reckless.

Those eccentric people at the Celestial Master's Office... they really could come up with anything.

The Celestial Master's Office was an entity known to everyone in the Camelot Central Empire, yet truly understood by no one.

Established by Camelot's first emperor, the Celestial Master's Office's original purpose was to gather extraordinary talents from across the land and convey the will of heaven.

However, in the thousand years since Camelot's founding, the Celestial Master's Office's activities had been limited to teaching cultivation techniques to successive emperors, imparting knowledge to various sects, and making brief appearances at Camelot's triennial heaven-worshipping ceremonies—often with their faces veiled.