Chapter 32
The Empire’s Property
After Jessica left the palace, Joseph returned to his study.
As the king, he had many state affairs to attend to daily.
He believed that the entire empire’s prosperity and glory were solely his achievement.
Joseph Louis.
A nearly fanatical emperor in the eyes of all.
He pushed open the study door, and the first thing that greeted him was a massive portrait.
It depicted an elegant and extraordinary woman.
Yet, the moment Joseph saw the portrait, his face twisted with unmistakable disgust.
It was as if he had seen a malevolent spirit, one he wished to tear to pieces!
“After all these years, you still hate her this much?”
A cheerful voice sounded from the sofa nearby.
Seated there was a woman with a voluptuous figure and bizarre makeup.
She smiled at Joseph, then turned her gaze to the portrait.
“But she was the ‘good queen’ in the people’s eyes, after all. She even bore you the empire’s once-in-a-century genius.”
Mentioning her identity, Joseph’s expression grew even darker.
“Don’t speak of that vile woman in front of me! She was never worthy of being my wife!”
“Fine, fine, Your Majesty. But you’ve treated your own daughter too harshly. She could have been a valuable asset to you in the future.”
“No matter how I treat her, she is nothing more than the empire’s tool! Her sole purpose is to serve the empire—that is her destiny!”
The woman chuckled softly. She knew exactly why Joseph treated his daughter this way.
She was merely teasing him, stirring his emotions.
To Joseph now, his own interests outweighed everything else.
Even his own bloodline was nothing more than a joke.
Joseph stood by the window, gazing at his empire, and his anger gradually subsided.
Ever since that woman’s death, everyone had assumed the empire would fall into decline.
As if she had been the true ruler of this nation.
Now, the empire was more prosperous than ever, and the voices questioning him had finally faded.
As for the few who remained, they were swiftly dealt with as heretics.
This was his kingdom. No one was permitted to hold power above him!
“Let’s discuss serious matters. I heard Your Majesty has uncovered our whereabouts?”
The woman crossed her long legs, her smile unwavering.
Joseph slowly turned his head, his gaze cold.
“You cultists are far too sloppy. Your actions are riddled with holes! How can I trust you as allies?”
“My apologies, Your Majesty. Some of our recruits are incompetent and failed to complete their tasks properly. However, your daughter has exceeded our expectations. Jessica Louis will become our greatest obstacle in the future.”
The woman’s smile faded, replaced by a flash of ruthlessness.
If possible, she would gladly eliminate this threat while it was still in its infancy.
“Selina, I won’t repeat myself. Jessica is the empire’s property.”
“But if your daughter interferes with our deal, things won’t end simply.”
“I will ensure she stays out of this.”
Joseph’s tone was firm, leaving no room for doubt.
Selina pursed her lips but didn’t argue further.
“There’s another person—Henry Rumelter. The exiled outcast has been making quite a name for himself lately.”
“Hmph, a nobody. He’s insignificant!”
Joseph couldn’t fathom why so many people were fixated on Henry.
A magicless waste who somehow stood out during an evaluation exam, drawing unnecessary attention.
But in Joseph’s eyes, no amount of talent could withstand the empire’s might.
“It seems Your Majesty is brimming with confidence. No wonder the empire thrived even after the queen’s death. The world underestimated you.”
Selina flattered Joseph, who accepted the praise without hesitation, his pride evident.
“But sacrificing an entire city for your immortality—do you truly feel no remorse?”
“They are my property. It’s only natural for them to be used for my benefit. Why should I feel remorse?”
Joseph’s tone was indifferent, as if discussing something trivial.
Hearing this, Selina bowed slightly, showing mock respect.
“If you weren’t the king, I’d say you’d fit right in with us.”
“Do not compare me to you rats!”
Joseph spread his arms as if embracing the world.
“I will prove to the world that I am superior to Eliana!”
*****
Henry swung his hoe into the soil, one strike after another.
His usual physical training had been replaced by farming.
Now shirtless, his well-defined abs were on full display.
Meanwhile, Lilith lounged leisurely in the shade, escaping the scorching sun.
It was hard to tell who was the master here.
Though they were supposed to be planting spirit fruits, Henry still had to till the entire field.
At one point, he earnestly invited Lilith to join him in the labor.
But she refused outright.
Her reason? “You wouldn’t want to be exhausted tonight, would you?”
‘This Japanese netizen, please keep your dirty thoughts to yourself!’
Left with no choice, Henry worked alone.
Thanks to the [Silver Body Technique], his stamina seemed boundless—he felt strong enough to take on two bulls.
‘Though I wonder if it’s enough to handle Lilith…’
He tossed the spirit fruit seeds into the soil and began watering them.
In time, the fruits would sprout.
After finishing, Henry hoisted the hoe onto his shoulder and hummed a tune as he walked back to the shade.
Lilith handed him a cup of tea, her eyes lingering on his abs.
It was clear she never bothered to hide her desires.
Under her gaze, Henry felt like a maiden being ogled by a rogue.
“Lilith, your stare is terrifying.”
“Oh? Then do you prefer me like this, or how I was in the bathtub?”
“Please, just stop talking. I’m scared.”
She was practically a female!
Remembering that night still filled Henry with indignation.
If given the chance, he’d teach this woman a lesson!
“By the way, Lilith, do you know any merchants who deal in medicinal herbs?”
Lilith remained silent, simply staring at him.
“Hey? Do you know or not? Say something!”
“You told me not to speak.”
“I… I was wrong.”
“Why do you need a herb merchant? Since Queen Eliana’s death, the empire has strictly controlled herb trade. It’s not something just anyone can sell.”
“Queen Eliana?”
“Jessica’s birth mother. She was poisoned to death.”