"Your Majesty, Duke Reeves did not come. But he conveyed a message."
"If there are any orders, just give a notification."
These simple words revealed Duke Reeves's stance.
He was willing to obey orders, but no longer actively participated in politics.
The ministers exchanged meaningful glances, all understanding Duke Riviera's intention.
Duke Riviera's estrangement was not because he was unwilling to continue serving the current Queen after Saul VIII's death.
Rather, it stemmed from an unpleasant past event.
About eight years ago, at the celebration of Aurelion's coming of age.
Viktor had been dead for two years by then.
The Duke of Riviera and his daughter came to offer their congratulations.
But for some reason, towards the end of the banquet...
The Duke of Riviera's daughter had a big argument with the Queen.
The details of that dispute remain a mystery to this day.
In short, after that argument, Duke Rivi’s daughter left the Empire and has not returned since.
Perhaps Duke Riviera still harbors resentment over this incident, which is why he is unwilling to come to the palace again.
The Empress frowned slightly upon hearing the minister's reply.
After a moment's thought, he issued a new order:
"Then notify him to go to the south."
south?
This unexpected order filled the ministers present with doubt.
They looked at each other, trying to decipher the Queen's deeper meaning.
Why did His Majesty suddenly bring up the South?
That place had long since become a territory occupied by monsters and cultists.
For the empire, the loss of such a large southern territory was a permanent scar.
Although some have suggested using the military to reclaim lost territory, those were all unwise statements.
Those who are truly clear-headed know that the existence of the Monster Rift means an endless stream of enemies.
Taking back the attack is not something that can be done simply by talking about it.
Even if they can temporarily regain the territory, how to defend it in the long term is another problem.
The reason why the monsters in the south have not piled up into a plague is largely due to the monsters killing each other.
After all, they also have their own food chain.
Because humans are scarce in the south, monsters are forced to prey on each other and feed on the flesh and blood of their own kind in order to survive.
Under this cruel law of nature, the weak are constantly being devoured by the stronger.
Generation after generation, powerful entities come and go.
Ten years later, the monsters that remained in the South were among the most terrifying beings.
Although the southern front was able to hold back the invasion of these monsters.
But what truly prevented them from crossing the line was the mysterious magic tower that stood on that land.
The monsters there share the same origin as other monsters, yet they seem to be controlled by some special kind of magic.
They not only attack invading monsters, but also protect humans who stray into their territory and escort them safely back to the Empire.
That's why it's called the Magic Tower.
There is nothing in the south except for monsters and the Demon Tower.
So Her Majesty's thoughts are...
"Let the Duke try to negotiate with the master of the Magic Tower."
Aurelion's voice revealed a hint of coldness and authority, and her words carried an air of unyielding authority.
Her eyes were calm, and her expression was serene.
"The believers cannot enter the capital from the south, and I believe the master of the magic tower has the ability to identify them."
"We cannot allow the capital to remain on high alert indefinitely. Seeking assistance is our most immediate solution."
The ministers exchanged glances, their doubts unfounded, but they agreed with the Queen's decision.
This is indeed a simple and quick solution, provided that Duke Reeves can successfully negotiate with the master of the Magic Tower.
However, this seems difficult.
After all, His Majesty Aurelion had tried before, but had never even met him.
Aurelion looked at the ministers below the palace, who were discussing amongst themselves, and most of them nodded in agreement.
Seeing that the ministers had no objections, she slowly rose from the throne.
She gracefully brushed the dust off her skirt, her expression indifferent, and said in a solemn voice:
"Since you don't have a better solution, then this is the decision."
"Go and inform Duke Reeves that it would be best to depart today."
As soon as she finished speaking, she turned and left the throne.
Trailing her magnificent long dress embroidered with gold patterns, she quietly departed along the deep corridor behind the palace.
A light cloak trailed behind her, brushing against the red carpet, and faded into the distance with each step she took.
Watching the Empress's departing figure, Vanilla also turned around gracefully.
Her tail swayed gently, following Aurelion's steps.
The main hall was shrouded in silence.
As the two departed, only the courtiers remained, bowing in respect to the departing empress.
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