4- Walking into a trap

Recently, I have been going through the notes I wrote when I found out which world I landed in, so I wouldn't forget the novel , and found a gem, literally.

The protagonist had found a mana crystal gem in the southern mountains, and had sweet talked my brother onto gifting her that mountain without telling him about the mine. She ended up being the richest woman in the country because of the high quality of the mana stones, typical OP plot armor, but I will be using that plot armor to myself now thank you author.

It took nearly 18 months of searching to find the mountain that fits the novel description, I then visited with the butler and guess what ; we found the mine. Since we already had a business plan in place we could start mining the following month.

As per the Imperial laws we had to inform the Emperor of this mine, and surrender 20%of annual income to him. That might not sit well with another reincarnator but not me, when in Rome as they say. I just didn't want that waste of human bio donor to know about this mine in the foreseeable future, hence I sent a letter to His Majesty requesting an audience, which was quickly granted.

I had to teleport to the Capital to make it in time for the audience, I didn't feel like stopping by the duke's dwelling in the capital, as those adulterous couple had been living there for the last 5 years, good riddance if you ask me.

I made it to the Palace , in a horse led carriage of course, and was then escorted to the audience room. Unfortunately the butler was not able to accompany me, as he is not of noble blood.

The audience room was very wide and , well, shiny. Everything in here was blindness inducing. I had to keep my eyes to the floor, as I doubt my eyes can survive this monstrosity. It was in line with the worst fashion trends I had seen , everything was gaudy and inefficient, it made me question the taste of the Emperor because of it.

I had spent all afternoon in the audience room, another minus point for the Emperor in my books. I was then escorted to the study around evening.

The maid knocked on the door,and after receiving permission opened the door and gestured me to go in. It was a big study room, filled with books on all walls, and had a huge desk with piles of paperwork on it. I could see a middle aged man , with blond hair and tired looking red eyes raise his head as he said: " what's wrong this time , Duke? To what do I owe the displeasure?", he was visible taken aback when he saw me in front of him instead. Now everything seems to click, that awful room was prepared for bio-donor, and the Emperor doesn't seem to be a fan of hum either, let's strike those 2 points off , I like this Emperor already.

I curtsied to the emperor: "May the sun eternally shine on you, your majestey" .

Waving his hand dismissively, "enough with this, who are you and why are you her. I believe I was meant to meet the duke of Challice, and you are certainly not him"

"Your Majesty, I am the heir to the dukedom of Challice, Ren Ainsteir Challice, and I am here representing the dukedom."

"You can't represent the household unless you have the ring and the magical imprint, and approval from the Emperor. Which I assume you don't have as I haven't granted anything of sort"

"Apologies your Majesty, but I in fact have both the ring and the imprint. The previous duke had left them in the family treasury because he didn't want to bother with management. I am here today to pleas your approval, your Majesty "

"Hooo" , the Emperor leaned back in his chair as he looked me up and down, "and why would I do that, young man. What is in it for me?"

"Your Majesty, as a benevolent ruler you are aware of how much the actions of the duke had strained the common masses. He squandered monet that should have been invested back for the people to make their life easier. I am pleading on behalf of the duke household and feif to please take away that privilege he doesn't appreciate and lift the burden looming over all of the people's heads"

"You still didn't show what benefits me in interfering in your household problems"

I knew it would not be easy , But ti think he is treating a child this harshly, I took a deep breath in and steadied my voice , his pressure was no joke. "Your Majesty, this gets me ti the main reason for the audience, we had recently found a mana crystal mine in the mountains of out feif . As per the Imperial laws I am here to report the findings. I am willing to offer 25%instead of the usual 20% annually for your approval "

"That is tempting, but still isn't enough, how about 40%" . I was gobsmacked, that was too much. Then I noticed the Emperor had a mischievous glint on hos eyes as he looked at me. "Your Majesty, with all due respect that is an outrageous offer. 26% is as high as we can possibly go".

His Majesty started laughing: " it really doesn't sit well with me to bully young ones. How about 28%, and we would call it a day. However you need to do me three favours in due time " . I couldn't believe the good deal I had, I was willing to go up to 35% if needed , but I'm it felt like a steal to have the deal at this price.

I was really happy , and would later argue , stupid to believe in humanity of a ruler at the time. I walked into my own death flag , how many times did I wish for time to gi back to this very moment so I can slap myself across the face.