Empress of Another World

Seventy Four

Lucretius crossed his arms and waited for me. I felt like I was being judged, but I remained strong.

“A few days ago, I saw Marquis Toruka’s oldest son and Princess Liliana meeting secretly.”

“Hmm…? Oh, that’s right. They were engaged until recently. It wasn’t announced, but it was a done deal.”

“Yes. Anyway, I was able to talk to Clodys in private, and I offered to make a deal with him.”

“A deal?

Lucretius nodded with his arms still crossed. His eyes looked sharply at me.

I continued confidently, “It was nothing special. I just reminded him of their dangerous situation. I told him the dowager empress is in a weaker position, so they should tell me if they find the dowager empress’s weakness.”

“Hmm…”

“In return, we will clear Marchioness Toruka’s name and restore Clodys des Cornell’s position as the heir to Toruka family. I also promised him a marriage to Princess Liliana.”

Lucretius frowned deeply.

Before he could criticize me, I continued quickly, “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you earlier, but I wanted more progress before letting you know. If you don’t approve of it, then I will tell them the deal needs to change.”

“… So that was why you asked me to stop Liliana’s current marriage plan.”

“Yes. I needed them to think I have the power to give them what they want.”

“You are right.”

He became silent and contemplated. I felt very nervous.

Lucretius asked, “Are you sure you can trust them?”

I didn’t have to think before answering. I shook my head immediately.

“No.”

He asked in amusement, “If you don’t trust them, then the deal won’t work. I would be afraid for them to bring us false information about the dowager empress.”

This was true. I thought the same myself.

I admitted it easily and replied, “That’s true.”

“Then why are you going with it?”

I hated the fact I had to explain my actions. It felt like I was being judged.

I pushed down my anxiety and frustration as I continued, “What I trust isn’t them, but their desire and selfishness.”

“Oh?”

Lucretius smiled brightly. He always acted this way when I gave him an unexpected answer. It was as if he was my teacher, and I was taking a test.

… Hmm. I supposed this was true. Basically, he was like my employer. Right now, I was getting my work checked and confirmed by him.

“It wouldn’t have worked if I tried to convince them by appealing to justice. To defy the dowager empress because she is cruel, and you would be a better ruler? No way. They would never listen. If they did, I wouldn’t trust their words.”

“…”

“So I told them they can wait till they are sure the dowager empress would lose. At that time, they should bring us a piece of key information that will help to expose the dowager empress. This way, they have nothing to lose.”

“Their answer was?”

“Obviously they said yes, and that is why I am telling you all this.”

“I guess you’re right.”