Why?

"Still with the shadows thing, huh? Well, it's not like I don't understand." I shrugged as I gave out that reply.

"Yea, I mean, if you're planning to be the Emperor, then me staying in the shadows is the best course of action." He replied.

"Ah, by the way, can I ask you a question?" I asked.

"Yea, sure. What is it?" Jerome asked back.

"Well, the highest position in this Kingdom is the Emperor, right?" I asked.

"I mean, if we don't factor in religion, then yes. I mean, the pope of the Sun temple has a massive influence, if you ask me." Jerome shrugged.

"Yea, cool. And the Emperor's wife is called the Queen, right?" I continued on with my questions, even though I was kinda curious about the pope situation.

"I mean, yea. The Queen is called the Queen. What about it?" Jerome asked as if it was quite normal.

"Well… Why? Shouldn't the Emperor be called the King? I mean, ours is a Kingdom and his wife is the Queen. Then shouldn't he obviously be called the King?" I asked.

"Huh, king… What's that?" Jerome looked extremely confused as he asked that question.

However, the one confused in reality was me. I mean, these guys don't even know what a King is. What the hell!

"Wait, why is it called a Kingdom, then? I mean, shouldn't it be called an Empire?" I asked. Like, I had better ways to ask that question, but for some reason, this was how it came out.

"Wow, that's something that makes sense, if you ask me. Albius Empire actually sounds cool. I mean, we can implement that name once you become the Emperor. But for now, we are called a Kingdom because the dictionary says so." Jerome explained.

So that was it. I thought there would be some sort of backstory about how my ancestors were actually called Kings and one of the Kings felt a bit downgraded especially after how the Emperors called themselves by that name or something. That would have been a cool backstory, if you ask me. But the fact of the matter is that it is something that is written in the dictionary. And that just means one thing. Another plot hole. That's it. 

The author didn't notice the fact that they made such a plot hole and somehow made it canon. And that makes my search to find the novel which this world belongs to a bit easier. I mean, I just have to think about the novels that made this sort of typo, which usually doesn't happen because they are thoroughly read through by editors. Which only means one thing… It was an amateur author.

And if that is indeed the case, there's no way that I'd be able to learn about this world. I mean, I've read too much trash and great otome isekai novels written by amateur authors. So basically, I feel like I've returned to the same place as I originally was. I'm kinda sad though. I felt like this was going to be the breakthrough in this case for me.

"We are here." While I was completely immersed in my thoughts, I didn't realize that I had reached the place where I was supposed to have the meeting with the defectors. It was only when Jerome literally pushed me that I realized this.

"Oh, yea. Wait, before we go in, what do you think will be the best course of action?" I asked, wanting to know what he thought about this situation.

"Hmm, I don't know. I mean, I'm just a man who hears stuff. I have no idea how to give you advice on stuff that actually makes sense. However I don't know why, but I feel like I know that you'll deal this with relative ease." He replied.

"I feel so as well." I smiled brightly before opening the door. 

Once I opened the door tho, I decided to keep a neutral face. I want the people there to feel fear. I want them to realize that defiance at this point would mean the cruelest of deaths.

"So, why are all of you gathered here?" I asked, trying to gauge out what their expressions would be.

And it was as I expected. All of the people over here are really shrewd people who know how to change colors according to the situation. And since they sensed danger, they straight up went on their knees and started begging like it's their final day in this world. I mean, depending on how they react, it might as well be.

"We are deeply sorry, my lord! We committed a grave sin. We spied on you for other lords. We should've never done that after all the benevolence you have shown us." The one who seemed like the ringleader of the spies spoke out, while he planted his face onto the ground.

"Oh, there were more spies, huh? You idiots. Why did you even come out at this point? Did you think I would forgive you once I hear your so-called heartfelt speech? Who do you think I am?" I asked.

"My Lord, we can spy-" I didn't give the man an opportunity to continue what he wanted to say.

"What's the point, huh? You do know that I just have to know the names of the people conspiring against me, right? I mean, once I get those, I can literally kill every single one of us using some sort of excuse. I mean, I'm royalty after all. And those names… Well, I didn't know how to get those until now, but now that you guys made your way to me so gracefully, I can just torture you lot to get those names. So, give me a reason as to why I shouldn't just do that and enlist you guys as my spies instead? One reason and I'll let you in as my spies. So, go on." I asked the dumbfounded servants.

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