Sword of Salvation-Chapter 39: - Empress Lasyana (3)

"That was quite rude, M," Lasyana began, but she didn’t wait for the young man’s response. "I was also rude for making you wait so long, so I’ll overlook your discourtesy."

Lasyana wanted to tease M a little by asking why he was staring at her like that. However, she realized something was different. Unlike all the men she had met before, M wasn’t looking at her chest or thighs. Not at all. From the moment he saw her, his red eyes had been completely fixed on hers.

This was the first unique experience of the empress’s life. She didn’t know what was going through the young man’s mind, but it wasn’t a bad thing. More than that, it felt refreshing. Lasyana felt more respected. While she enjoyed asserting her superiority as the number one woman, receiving a gaze like M’s gave a unique impression.

"...Everything Delphia said about you is absolutely true, Empress Lasyana."

Lasyana spontaneously glanced at Delphia but quickly returned her gaze to M. "What did she tell you?" she asked, slightly curious.

However, Lasyana didn’t need M’s answer to figure it out. She knew Delphia well. Her friend would never reveal anything personal or secret about her.

"I’m sure you can guess. More importantly, we’re here for the two reasons you’re fully aware of. That woman named Cecilia guaranteed the money in that box is correct, so only the second reason remains."

Lasyana still wanted to hear it, but the young man was right. It didn’t need to be said—it would only waste time if he explained it.

"Of course. But first, I must praise your work." Lasyana didn’t mind humoring the masked guy, but she had to assert her dominance here. In their conversation, she had to control the flow. "You completed it faster than I expected," she added with a charming smile.

"It wasn’t a difficult job," C responded to Lasyana’s praise. "And, Your Majesty, we’re not interested in staying here for long. Can you tell us directly what job you’re offering?"

Lasyana’s red eyes immediately shot a sharp gaze at the woman. She felt C didn’t like her. Lasyana couldn’t read minds to understand the reason and could only speculate. However, the feeling of dislike was palpable. Delphia sensed it too—her friend was also watching C closely.

Could it be that C felt threatened by her beauty and charm? Was she afraid M would fall at her feet? Did C want to leave quickly to protect M from her grasp?

"Is that really the case, M?"

Lasyana shifted her gaze back to M. Between the two of them, M was clearly the one who piqued her interest more.

C did have a unique aura. Lasyana also sensed a familiar spirit presence within her. She had only felt this from Shin. According to Shin, their two spirits shared a special connection. If he was right, C’s spirit and hers were linked. But M was more mysterious.

"We’ve been here long enough. While sitting in front of you wouldn’t get boring, we still have to leave soon."

"Ah, that’s a bit disappointing, but so be it," Lasyana sighed, her expression turning serious. "Have you heard of the Super Demon Zagabob?" she asked, shifting her gaze between C and M.

"What about that demon?"

That didn’t answer Lasyana’s question directly, but it wasn’t a bad response. M’s counter-question had two interpretations: he either knew about Zagabob or he didn’t. He left it up to Lasyana to choose which interpretation to follow, forcing the empress to explain.

"Super Demon Zagabob is one of the super demons under the Primordial Demon Levia. He has many subordinates. Among them, the number of Ultimate Demons exceeds ten. I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s more than twenty."

"...That’s very troubling. What is Sterminatore doing in this empire? I heard Glazzier is very disciplined and strict in his duties. There’s no way this situation could happen under normal circumstances. Glazzier wouldn’t allow it." M paused and shifted his sitting position to a more serious posture. "Something is happening behind the scenes. Tell me, what are you doing, Lasyana Noracia?"

Lasyana was quite surprised but managed to keep the shock from showing on her face. She knew Delphia would never reveal her illegal activities to anyone. There was no reason to doubt her friend. But how did M know she was involved in ensuring Sterminatore’s incompetence?

If that information reached Glazzier before she resolved the mess here, Lasyana would face severe consequences. That man wouldn’t forgive her misconduct. He wouldn’t care that she was an empress. She was at risk of heavy punishment. At worst, Glazzier would take her to the Northern Continent and throw her into Cocytus Prison.

Calm down, calm down. M might not really know. Maybe it’s a trap to make me confess.

"What’s wrong? Thinking of an excuse to deny it?"

Lasyana struggled to avoid gritting her teeth and held herself back from biting her lower lip. She had made a critical mistake. If she had acted clueless from the start, she wouldn’t be cornered like this. Still, she couldn’t entirely blame herself. How could she not be shocked when asked a question that should never have referred to her?

What could she do to turn the situation around? 𝓯𝓻𝒆𝙚𝒘𝓮𝙗𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝒍.𝙘𝓸𝙢

Denying outright would only make M more suspicious. He would question why she had hesitated if the accusation was baseless. But admitting it was even less of an option. Not only would she be guilty of manipulating Sterminatore and protecting demons, but the secret of her involvement in her father’s government’s downfall would also come to light.

This was really bad.

Was there no way for her to clear herself of the accusation?

"Of course, I’m just joking. I couldn’t possibly accuse the empress of sabotaging all the Sterminatore branches in Neiracia. You couldn’t be behind the rise of demons in the empire. Someone must be doing something behind your back. Do you know anyone who desperately wants to see you fall?"

Lasyana was once again shocked. This time, she couldn’t keep the surprise from showing.

"Do you know anyone who desperately wants to see you fall?" M asked again. "Oh, is that the real reason why you want those nobles dead? Hmm, this makes sense. Even though what you did was too extreme, it was absolutely necessary. The empire couldn’t progress without drastic measures."

"Y-Yes, exactly! Exactly right." Lasyana surprised even herself with that response. "I felt very pressured having to make the innocent suffer the same punishment. But, as you said, I had to take drastic action. Neiracia has wallowed in filth for far too long."