It was somehow an awkward atmosphere.

“Oh, hello?”

Lucy raised her hand. This strange encounter began purely because of Charlize.

“Hello.”

“I’ve heard a lot of things about you…”

Shadow also bowed back and greeted Lucy.

The 7 Alperier’s commanders, members of the information guild, and assassination guild following Lucy, the Knights of Shadow, the Shadow of the emperor, and finally the Rapine clan.

Everyone gathered in one place.

[They’re the highest group on the continent, but if we work together, we can track down the secret magic tower, right?]

Saying so, Charlize sent the ancient gods to the heads of each group.

Without Charlize, they would not have had any contact.

However, since it was Charlize’s order, everyone obeyed without saying a word.

Of course, Shadow was the first to report to the Emperor. Dylan had a natural look on his face and told him to follow Charlize’s will.

[If we are all gone, who will protect Your Majesty?]

[Master promised to protect me.]

V and Hugo remembered how bright the emperor’s face was when he said those words.

They were a little disappointed because it looked like a refreshing look because it seemed like he was relieved that only Charlize and he could be together.

“It’s getting too big.”

“It’s exciting! There are so many people following the leader!”

Payne exclaimed brightly at Chase’s dazed murmur.

Among the people who gathered, the Alperier was particularly enthusiastic. Charlize’s thanks were so destructive.

“Then shouldn’t we have a strategic meeting first before tracking it in earnest?”

Hugo, who is good at practical strategies, stepped up. On Alperier’s side, Derian took the lead and responded.

“With information, there is no talent on the continent to follow Lucy.”

“Well, that’s right.”

Lucy raised her other hand and said. It was her habit that she kept emphasizing defenselessness.

“The emperor had given me orders to learn about the secret magic tower. But I’m not really sure. However, it is likely that the secret magic tower is inside the Empire.”

“Inside the Empire… They must be out of mind.”

Chase said with a frown.

Lucy, who is one of the few women among countless men, desperately wanted to see Charlize.

The reason she followed Charlize is that she fell in love with her overwhelming swordsmanship, but honestly, there was also the beauty that purified her just by looking at her.

Payne, V, Hugo, and Derian were not comparable to Charlize, although they were generally outstanding.

“I’d be glad if we didn’t have to track it on a continental basis. If the range is narrowed, we will be able to track the secret magic tower faster.”

V spoke politely and spread a wide map of the empire on the floor.

Although Dylan I united the continents, he recognized the autonomy of principalities and kingdoms, so the actual territory of the empire was the same as it was three years ago.

In fact, everyone was motivated even though it was awkward because they had never met each other before.

Because the fact that they were indebted to Charlize brought them together.

‘The destruction of the secret magic tower.’

Knowing what Charlize wanted, they wanted to carry out their orders as soon as possible.

One by one, they began to actively express their opinions.

“How about forming a group and taking charge of each area and tracking it down?”

Chase of the Rapine clan said.

Payne nodded lightly as if it were a good idea.

“Very well, by the way. If I recall my brief memory of being in the magic tower, the secret magic tower must have covered the building with powerful illusion magic.”

“…Then?”

“A competent wizard who can see through and break the magic must be placed in each group. There are seven Alperiers in total, so let’s make it into seven groups altogether.”

“I agree.”

Hugo nodded. Lucy gave an opinion.

“The Rapine clan must be assigned at least a few to each group. The speed of the beast is incredibly fast, isn’t it? We have to be a rider and warrior.”“Okay.”

Chase agreed. V said in a quiet tone.

“Our Shadow Knights are already trained in various groups, so we can respond immediately to any combination.”

“That’s good. If you pretend, you pretend. Is it because they are honey’s people?”

For a moment, their eyes focused on Lucy.

Lucy tilted her head and explained.

“Yeah, I call Charlize my honey.”

“Ah, the grandmaster…”

“Yes, the eternal leader of Alperier.”

“She is also the savior who saved our family.”

Those who have already been proven as competent as Charlize’s people. In front of Charlize’s praise, everyone was one.

The group formation ended easily without disagreement.

They didn’t know how long it would take, but they were all determined to work with the momentum to devote their lives.

They were overjoyed that Charlize had given a chance to repay her favor.

In fact, Lucy realized once again how great Charlize was.

‘It’s not even the Alperier who brings evil spirits and uses magic, it’s the Rapine clan who’s the best at handling magical beasts, and Shadow, who is said to have gathered only the best elite knights of the empire.’

With a single gesture of Charlize, everyone moves on their own. Everyone has different personalities and even though they are unique, they have the same heart for Charlize.

“The first goal is to find the base of the secret magic tower. If there is any information that you find out, share it with each other immediately, report it to His Majesty and the grandmaster when it is solid information.”

“Understood.”

Shadow put their hands on their head in unison like a well-bred beast.

“Okay, let’s try it!”

Payne was too excited.

A total of seven groups soon began to move quickly. It was the moment when the best talents of the empire combined their thoughts toward one goal.

***

‘It would be good to rest for a while.’

Charlize thought while enjoying her leisurely time after a long time. Charlize was now alone in the mansion provided by the emperor.

Originally, it would have been good for Dylan and her to join hand in hand and chase the secret magic tower, but Charlize changed her mind.

As long as Alperier is back, there is no harm in using it. Besides, if you think about it, there were many people who volunteered to follow Charlize.

‘I thought maybe Dylan might be disappointed.’

Dylan didn’t disappoint. Rather, Dylan seemed to welcome the situation.

“Is this from His Majesty?”

“Yes, grandmaster.”

Mary bowed her head politely and held out the letter to Charlize.

When Charlize opened it and read it, she noticed neat handwriting. Suddenly, she thought it was pretty, even if it wasn’t the right word for Dylan.

「 I’d like to have an official schedule with Master for the first time in a while. I’d be very happy if you could join me.

I’ll send a dress and a carriage together. Even if you don’t come, I’ll be waiting all day.

From your lover.」

She doesn’t know what kind of official schedule it is… Her cheeks were tickled for a moment by his gentle tone, even though it was only handwriting.

‘After all, it’s a call to come to the Imperial Palace.’

After Charlize’s second run to Dylan, she had not entered the Imperial Palace.

It was just that she didn’t have the face to see Dylan at the Imperial Palace, but she thinks it was okay now.

Anyway, she was going to leave the work to her subordinates and relax for the time being.

The subtle date request was smooth. Dylan’s signature scent from the love letter tickled the tip of her nose. Charlize looked at Mary.

“Where’s the dress?”

“…Please wait a moment.”

Mary’s face glowed with her head up. The maids soon entered the room with gorgeous dresses.

It was a seductive red dress, just like a sun-shaped dress. The dress fabric itself was exposed to reveal the sidelines of the legs, but it was a design covered with a white and transparent thin veil.

“It’s so beautiful.”

“His Majesty’s eyes are excellent, but the grandmaster really pulls off whatever clothes she wears.”The maids were more excited to dress up Charlize for the first time in a while.

As if it were more fascinating to cover it a little than to show it completely, Charlize matched her outfit perfectly.

“Thanks.”

This isn’t bad either. Charlize said while looking at the maids in the mirror.

It was a greeting that was sometimes barely uttered to Alperier, but it was a word that flowed generously to the maids.

The maids blushed with joy. She was so beautiful that they were afraid that they would fall in love with a fellow woman.

Charlize soon got on the wagon waiting in front of the mansion. The carriage started smoothly.

***

“This way, grandmaster.”

The servants of the Imperial Palace kept glancing at Charlize. It was irresistible.

Not only because of the beauty of Charlize, but also because it had been a long time since they had seen Charlize at the Imperial Palace.

In the meantime, even if Charlize stayed in the Imperial Palace, she stayed inside the Empress Palace.

Seeing her freely wandering around as a grandmaster like this reminded her of the past three years ago, and she felt strange.

Charlize stepped through the open door as she was guided. Dylan was sitting on the highest throne. As soon as he saw Charlize, the emperor’s eyes softened.

“You’re here?”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“I didn’t expect you would come.”

Dylan reached out to Charlize to sit down next to him.

But Charlize was a little confused. Because there were feet of many countries under the platform.

The kingdoms that survived after paying tributes to the empire due to a unified continent. The envoys sent from there were kneeling down holding the flag and bowing their heads.

‘Is this the official schedule?’

Charlize swallowed her panic and approached Dylan. Dylan’s chair was wide enough for three people to sit.

In other words, the emperor had no intention of sitting separately from Charlize from the beginning.

“I’m glad, Master.”

Dylan said, holding Charlize’s hand softly.

Charlize sat by Dylan’s side for now. The sun was shining brightly. Dylan’s black hair shone noblely today.

The envoys were quiet for a moment, but soon the person in order stood up.

The envoy bowed his head as he climbed up the stairs, holding a splendid box in his hands.

“This is the desert fox fur, a specialty of our Principality.”

Dylan didn’t respond. He only looked at Charlize.

Charlize looked down at the envoy. He was trembling all over his body, unable to lift his gaze. Fear was read.

‘Now I know.’

It is a place to voluntarily offer tribute in a conquered country and swear allegiance to the emperor of the empire.

Numerous specialties were already piled up at Dylan’s feet. The next envoy also trembled and climbed up the stairs and tried to kneel down.

“This is a diamond dress made by a craftsman in our kingdom.”

“…It looks too big for Master to wear.”

This time, Dylan said languidly.

“What do you think, Master?”

“…Yes?”

“You don’t look happy. It’s the flag of the Kingdom of Middleine. Should I erase Middleine from the world map?”

Dylan said as he buried his head in Charlize’s neck.

The emperor’s voice mixed with hot breath sounded quite boring.

At the sound of the kingdom’s destruction, the envoy began to tremble like an aspen leaf.

Charlize was a little confused.

Everyone knew it was disrespectful, they took a deep breath.

Some of the envoys opened their eyes and raised their gazes. The ruler who sat on the highest seat looked at Charlize and smiled.

‘Ah.’

Charlize realized.

‘Dylan is serious.’

If Charlize just nods her head, Middleine will really be erased from the world map. It wasn’t a show-off, it was serious.

She felt distant for a moment.

She finally realized the teachings of the past that asked him to grow up as a tyrant.

***