[FMMIKA] Chapter 260: Power Struggle

A few minutes later, in the Dragon Emperor's room, under the playful gaze of the Dragon Emperor and the head maid standing behind him, d'Eon reported Carmilla's situation, feeling slightly uneasy as they knelt on one knee, awaiting his judgment.

"Hmm, I see, I see. Quite interesting..." Artorius said with a thoughtful tone, though he had actually known the Countess's intentions for some time. He maintained a relaxed demeanor on the surface, making it hard for d'Eon to discern his true thoughts.

"So, d'Eon, what do you suggest?" Artorius suddenly asked as the musketeer contemplated the situation.

"Your Majesty, I—" d'Eon began hesitating, wanting to provide the 'right' answer.

But before that could happen, Artorius interrupted, "d'Eon, I am not like King Louis XVI. You can speak the truth and voice your thoughts openly; there's no need to hold back."

"..."

"Yes, Your Majesty." After a moment of hesitation, d'Eon decided to go all in. "I am willing to investigate Chaldea on your behalf."

With this declaration, d'Eon essentially agreed to Carmilla's plan.

"Very well." Artorius said with a smile. "Go and do what you think is best."

"Yes, Your Majesty. Then, excuse me."

"Wait."

As d'Eon prepared to leave, Artorius spoke again, leaving d'Eon's heart in a state of turmoil.

"You can relax a bit, d'Eon. I am not the kind of common and malevolent monarch. I know your talents and abilities. As long as you serve faithfully, I will grant you wealth, status, power, strength, and glory. You have no need to worry; feel free to pursue your goals."

"Yes, Your Majesty!" With Artorius's words, d'Eon's mood was uplifted, and their 'Your Majesty' sounded more sincere. They almost couldn't wait to turn and leave to finish their task.

"Poor fellow..."

Sella, the head maid who had been silent all this time, sighed with a hint of sadness beside Artorius.

"Desiring to be loyal to one's homeland, to gain recognition through one's skills and intellect, to be acknowledged by others... Chevalier d'Eon is a very competent person. Both in swordsmanship and intellect, they excel. But in that era, people cared more about gender, about being male or female, and such mundane matters. Monarchs, colleagues, and outsiders, all ridiculed and mocked d'Eon, treating them like a freak. It must have been painful for them."

"Indeed..." Artorius agreed. "I am not like those wretched monarchs and their wretched countries; I am a ruler who values talent. My empire is a place where anyone with ability and determination can rise to the top. I'm sure d'Eon will be happy there."

Different from someone like Carmilla, who was ambiguous and convenient, the bond between Artorius and d'Eon was a pact between ruler and subject.

"But Your Majesty, are you really not interested in d'Eon?" Sella asked with a teasing tone. "Although they are slender, they are a rare beauty."

"Haha, just because someone is beautiful, should I admit them to my harem? Besides, with my discerning eye, I can't be fooled about one's gender." Artorius said, chuckling. "Let's not discuss this further; it doesn't seem like your style, Sella."

"Is that so?" Sella blushed slightly as she heard Artorius's response.

She had also heard from others that if she wanted to secure Artorius's favor, she had to win over allies within the harem, forming a unified front against Artoria Species.

This wasn't just for herself but also for her Einzbern sisters.

So, just as Artorius had said, Sella, was a simple and kind woman, she had to step up and do things that didn't align with her own personality and preferences to protect her family.

"You silly."

Artorius held Sella in his arms, running his fingers through her hair with a gentle smile, which made her blush and feel embarrassed.

"Don't overthink it. Just be yourself."

Healthy competition within the harem was acceptable, but if it turned malicious, it would be a headache. One sign of this malicious competition was when a maid like Sella was forced to get involved.

So, Artorius decided to intervene before things escalated.

"..."

"Mm."

Comforted and promised by Artorius, Sella smiled bashfully and fell into his embrace, as if all thoughts of the harem's power struggles had faded away.

===

At the same time.

'This is the monarch I need, the master I want to serve!'

d'Eon was excited.

'Let's start by finding that foolish woman. I'll make sure His Majesty sees my worth.'

Although d'Eon had mocked Carmilla earlier, it didn't stop them from cooperating.

On the other hand, no matter how much Carmilla tried to appeal to Jalter's emotions and reasoning, Jalter seemed disinterested, looking at her with the same disdainful gaze one might have for a fool.

"What does any of this have to do with me? I'm not his woman and not his subordinate. Why should I fawn over him?"

Although Jalter's relationship with Artorius had improved slightly over the past two days, her stubborn attitude hadn't changed, and it made Carmilla want to smack her head and made Jalter realize how stupid her behavior was.

"This is your last chance. Think about it."

Carmilla, not particularly eloquent or wise, turned and left after saying that, leaving Jalter to sulk.

"Really, what a fool..."

Muttering to herself, Jalter sat down as usual, hugging her knees and appearing like a reclusive child, lost in thought.

"Why should I do such things... no, rather, what should I do..."

After pondering these thoughts for a while, Jalter finally made a decision.

Not long after, Jalter appeared in the dungeon. She confronted the person who seemed to have only a few days left to live.

Her creator.

Her nemesis.

The person in this world most closely connected to her.

Gilles de Rais.