Passius, who entered the audience room, knelt before Eileen.
Eileen lightly touched her chin with one hand and asked.
"Any news?"
"The Bretus delegation has not made any notable movements thus far. It appears they have no intentions of provoking us."
"Remain vigilant. We cannot predict when they might unexpectedly take action."
"Yes, understood."
The current delegation, led by Priestess Lemria, was searching for traces of demons, roaming through the underground waterways.
Although they couldn't find anything concrete, no one knew what else the Bretus Kingdom was capable of.
Eileen was doing her best to prevent them from reaching the underground sanctuary, but she knew it was only buying time.
Since they were individuals she didn't like from the start, Eileen was determined to obstruct them as much as possible.
'Because I know that they are using the appearance of demons as an excuse to make unreasonable demands on the empire.'
If those troublemakers start making noise, it will be a problem.
What Eileen holds in check was not their influence in international politics.
Quite the opposite.
Irrespective of the desires of the nations on the continent, they possessed the power to instigate a 'turmoil' within the royal families of a single country.
Although it was unclear how and in what way it was happening, the fact that the kingdoms had changed so drastically before the empire was established was evidence.
'For now, it's fortunate that they are keeping quiet and giving us less to worry about. But we can't let our guard down.'
Eileen promised herself to be vigilant against Lemria and the delegation, and she asked Passius.
"I see. Besides that, I assume there's something else since you came to report in person?"
"Yes, Your Highness. Your intuition is truly remarkable."
"Enough with the flattery. Just tell me."
"I received a message from my senior."
"That man?"
Eileen's eyes sparked with interest at the news of contact from Rudger.
It hadn't been that long since he returned to Seron, and he was already reaching out to her.
"What does he want?"
"He's asking for financial support."
"What?"
Eileen instantly thought she had misheard something.
"What does he want?"
"He's asking for money."
"...Stop playing games and explain clearly without leaving out a single detail."
Under Eileen's sharp remark, Passius finally changed his attitude.
"Lately, there have been interesting developments in Seron."
"I am not aware."
"Oh, is that so?"
"Why should I be concerned about that? There is a mountain of other urgent matters to attend to."
"Still, Seron is a place that even our royal family provides financial support. It would be wise to be aware of it."
"Wasn't it your role to find out and inform me about it?"
That was true.
Passius shrugged his shoulders, saying he couldn't help it, and continued his explanation.
"Lately, among the investors who provide substantial funding to Seron, there have been suspicious movements."
"Investors?"
"Yes. Companies that receive various patents and privileges from Seron have joined forces and are pressuring Seron."
Eileen's lips curled into a smile, showing her interest.
"That's interesting. With Seron shaking due to this incident, are these hyenas with an insatiable thirst for money trying to take advantage of the situation?"
"These companies always pursue profits, don't they?"
"They've taken it to another level. It's like trying to swallow something that can't be swallowed, just like a snake."
"Anyway, if things continue like this, Seron's finances will suffer a significant blow."
Eileen let go of her hand, which had been supporting her chin.
"It seems like they're not just making idle threats. They seem to be determined to make the most of this situation."
"Approximately 30% of the entire finances are controlled by those who formed an alliance all at once. They think there won't be another opportunity like this."
"Hmm. So that's why that man asked for my help?"
"What will you do?"
If asked, Eileen leaned towards thinking that she didn't need to help Seron.
Although Seron was within the empire's territory, it was a separate existence beyond the empire's sphere of influence.
Eileen also had thoughts of eventually making Seron her own.
However, no matter how much it was shaken, that solid fortress would never waver.
If Seron is in such a crisis because of other enemies, it would be better to maintain neutrality and observe rather than provide help.
Nevertheless, Rudger reached out to Eileen for assistance.
"Why did that man ask me for help?"
"It wasn't really a request. Just a proposal."
"A proposal? In this situation? That's interesting."
"Mr.Rudger said that he would increase the influence of the imperial palace in Seron."
"Influence?"
"That's what he was hoping for."
"Hahaha!"
Eileen couldn't help but laugh as soon as she heard those words.
"So, he wants to call upon the imperial tiger to deal with those wolves! What an arrogant man. Does he dare to handle the royal family himself?"
"He may not be entirely capable of that."
"But asking for help just for a mere request to fill 30% of Seron's finances is too much. I vaguely know how much budget the Seron Academy requires in a year."
If the imperial palace opens its treasury, it would be possible to provide support at least once.
But Eileen was a thorough pragmatist.
"If I help, what can he do for me?"
"Mr.Rudger said that it's not just a simple request for help."
"Oh? It's not about seeking help while expecting support from the imperial palace?"
"He said that they don't need the imperial palace to cover the entire 30%."
"What?"
Eileen's eyebrows subtly furrowed.
Passius relayed what he heard.
"Out of the 30% of the budget, the amount requested from the imperial palace is just 5%."
Just 5%.
Of course, even 5% was not a small amount considering Seron's annual budget.
But for Eileen, the originally anticipated amount had decreased to one-sixth, and she couldn't understand why.
"Does that mean there's a way to cover the remaining 25% of the funds separately?"
"Yes. He mentioned that he need to drive away those who are greedy for this opportunity."
Eileen didn't smile this time.
Instead, she tapped her armrest with her finger and immersed herself in deep thought.
Passius patiently waited, knowing that Eileen was seriously weighing her options.
How long did the silence last?
Eileen's crimson lips, after finishing her calculations, moved.
"We have nothing to lose."
"Yes, that's true."
Passius nodded in agreement with Eileen's words.
If Seron is in a crisis and the imperial palace releases more funds to support them, it would be a complete benefit for the palace.
It would cost a considerable amount of money, but it would also provide an opportunity to become the main investor in Seron and exercise influence simultaneously.
In fact, this opportunity was very enticing to Eileen.
The current Emperor, Eileen's father, only provided a certain amount of money to Seorn and didn't expect them to show loyalty or obedience.
Eileen didn't like that.
If one claims to be a ruler, shouldn't they receive the respect of the people?
So, if a chance arose, she wanted to increase her influence by any means necessary.
'However, Seron has become a place where many people are desperate to force their way in.'
Even if it's the royal family, they couldn't forcibly intrude.
And at that moment, an opportunity presented itself.
A large piece of meat remained.
'But I don't really like it.'
Eileen was the type to seize such opportunities with her own power.
Having someone else lay out the feast for her to enjoy was rather demeaning to her pride.
But this time, the offer was too tempting to resist.
'He is certainly a cunning individual. Instead of begging for an opportunity, he presents it as if he is bestowing a favor upon me.'
It was an affront to her pride, but considering everything, it was an intriguing proposal.
"Well then, I can personally support at least 5% without any problem."
"Are you sure?"
"My father would have made the same decision. We can't afford to miss such a rare opportunity, you know. Even if I don't like it."
"Then I'll take it as accepted and send a response."
"But I'm curious. If he says he won't accept my help, how does he plan to cover the remaining 25% of Seron's budget? Did he find some hidden source?"
"Oh, about that?"
Fascius casually replied.
"He said he would provide it himself."
"What?"
* * *
"How did you do it?"
The next day.
Elisa, the principal, came to Rudger's office while he was working on paperwork and asked abruptly.
"What are you talking about?"
Rudger looked up from the documents, took off his round glasses, and spoke.
"Oh, you can keep wearing your glasses."
"Why?"
"It looks good. This intellectual look suits you."
"Are you joking?"
"It's not a joke. Anyway, how did you manage to do that?"
"If you ask me that way, I don't have a suitable answer to give."
"The investors! That's what I'm talking about!"
Ah.
Rudger finally realized why the principal had come to him.
"Didn't I say I could find an investors?"
Rudger asked innocently.
It's a story that's already over, so why now?
Elisa was taken aback by Rudger's words.
Is this person doing it on purpose?
"Yes, you said you would find one."
"So I did find one. Then it's a closed issue."
"I didn't know you could do it in just one day. And to cover 25% of this year's budget at once."
Elisa asked, her expression revealing her emotions unexpectedly.
"Who is this person named 'Oliver'?"
"He's the owner of Royal Street, which has recently experienced rapid growth and become the wealthiest man in Letherbelk."
"Royal Street? Is Oliver the owner behind the mask?"
"You know about it."
"I've heard news from neighboring cities as well. So, this person is going to sponsor our Seron, right?"
"Yes. Is there a problem?"
"I wouldn't go as far as to call it a problem..."
It wasn't really a problem.
It wasn't black money, and there was no risk of being caught since the funds were earned through legitimate business.
Knowing that she had received a strong commitment of support for Seron, she didn't have to engage in the games of those despicable flatterers.
However, Elisa couldn't shake off the unsettling unease that clung to her.
Like the hazy morning mist, the sensation seeped into her clothes gradually.
From a logical standpoint, she should have been pleased with the situation, as it would undoubtedly be resolved favorably.
Yet, her instinct, developed over years of serving as the principal, prevented her from embracing it.
"What does that person want?"
"If I say pure goodwill, you wouldn't believe it."
"Because such a thing doesn't exist."
"He requested exclusive rights and patents for the magical items previously handled by the existing investors, as well as close collaboration with Seron."
"Well, that's not bad. I thought he would demand something unreasonable, but it seems like he is asking for less than the hyenas who were trying to tear us apart."
"The rest is up to the discretion of the principal."
"So you leave the remaining choices to me. I can see your intention of not wanting to overtly upset my feelings."
"Is that why you dislike it?"
Elisa's complexion changed as she spoke.
"No, I don't dislike it. Instead of pure goodwill where nothing is expected, isn't it much better to have this kind of give-and-take?"
"I'm glad to hear that."
Elisa softened her guard and chuckled.
"Isn't it funny? To see someone who can't easily trust someone's goodwill. Did you perhaps feel disappointed?"
"What is there to be disappointed about? You, principal, are the highest authority responsible for Seron. It's only natural to show such a reaction when the responsibility weighs heavily due to that position."
"Thank you for understanding. Whether it's because of deep empathy or because there are many people like me who have responsibilities to take."
Rudger responded with a wry smile to the principal's playful question.
"Everyone lives with a sense of responsibility. It doesn't matter if their positions are high or low."
"But there are people who don't, right?"
"That's why they need to be made aware."
Behind his glasses, Rudger's gaze sharpened.
"When you neglect your responsibilities and forget your position, you have to know what happens."
* * *
In his extravagant mansion, the influential figure looked out the window, savoring his wine.
'Even if principal Elisa tries to withdraw, she won't be able to refuse this.'
He let out a low laugh.
'It's exciting to think that she would bow her head and send a letter. It's already getting interesting.'
He downed the remaining wine in his glass all at once.
He usually stayed away from alcohol, but on a day like today, it seemed he could enjoy getting slightly
intoxicated.
"Sir, Chairman."
"What is it?"
The sudden appearance of his secretary was not unexpected.
"Did Seron send an urgent request? Will they accept the conditions?"
"Well, um... it's the opposite. They refuse our conditions and want to terminate the contract as it is."
"...Has the principal lost her mind? If these investors pull out all at once, it will be detrimental to her."
"Th-they said they found someone."
"Found someone? What does that mean? Speak clearly!"
"An investor, they mentioned an investor. They found someone to replace our position. So now they say they don't need our contract anymore..."
"What?"
Crash.
The wine glass that the influential figure was holding shattered as it hit the floor.