Became the Unjust Contract Slave of the Archamage’s Book

“Elfenbine?”

The nobles had attacked the royal castle under the pretense that the princesses were in collusion with Elfenbine. They were imperialists to the core, anti-magic zealots who despised mages. But now, the situation had changed.

“As you all know, the towns east of Hoenberg are remote areas beyond the capital’s influence. Due to the rampant monsters, these have become abandoned, death-ridden cities.”

“That’s exactly what I’m saying! And why would those mages care about the Empire’s situation?”

“Which is precisely why,” Charlotte continued, “we need the cooperation of the mages. Fortunately, the second princess has established a connection with Elfenbine, making it an opportune time to build a friendly relationship with the tower.”

This was the alternative Rike had proposed. The lords of the eastern regions of Hoenberg needed Elfenbine’s cooperation more than the capital’s. Thus, the rebels, to survive, had no choice but to work with Elfenbine, even if they hated it. It was a clever way to mete out punishment without spilling any blood.

“All your former properties will be confiscated by the royal castle. New lords will be appointed. This is the best punishment I can give you as regent.”

The rebels fell silent. They all understood that they should be grateful for not losing their heads. They would now leave for the Empire’s east and start everything anew.

“Did we do the right thing?”

“You handled it wisely.”

With the rebels’ fates decided, the prisoners filling the underground prison were released. One significant problem was resolved.

“Duke Dux, how long do you intend to stay in Essen?”

“I would like to stay longer, but it is difficult. The situation in my territory is not good.”

“May I ask what the matter is?”

Surprisingly, he seemed hesitant. The Duchy of Dux was known for its stability and well-being among the Empire’s lands.

“It’s because of the monsters.”

“Monsters?”

Rike reacted first to the word ‘monsters,’ followed by Sylvia and Binaeril, who perked up their ears.

“Isn’t the Duke’s army strong? I’ve heard your duchy is the safest in the Empire.”

“That’s true. But the ones that appeared this time are different.”

“How are they different?” Binaeril asked, curiosity piqued as a mage himself.

“If they were ordinary monsters, the duke’s army wouldn’t struggle. I am a distinguished lord, but also a formidable soldier. Living monsters don’t scare me.”

“Which means…”

“They are not ‘living’ enemies.”

The meaning was clear.

“Undead.”

A term referring to beings that returned from death, be they humans, animals, or monsters. The undead were not merely another kind of monster; they were a distinct new species. If one could classify them as living beings at all.

If the enemy was undead, it was understandable why the Duke’s army struggled. Simple physical force couldn’t kill the undead. Unlike ordinary monsters, undead beings kept moving even if their hearts were torn out or their heads severed.

“That’s surprising.”

“Surprising?”

“I’ve heard that they almost never appear unless it’s a very special situation, like the experiments of a Dark Mage…”

“That’s astonishing news indeed.”

“What do you mean?”

“There are hundreds of undead appearing in the duchy right now.”

The three mages from Elfenbine shivered simultaneously.

“Duke Dux, is that true? I have never heard of such a thing even in Elfenbine.”

“Regrettably, it is true. We have sealed off the areas where the undead began appearing and evacuated the people. We are controlling the spread, but honestly, it’s a struggle.”

“You should return as soon as possible.”

“Yes. So, if the relationship between the Empire and Elfenbine improves, I am hoping we could also receive support from the mages for the duchy.”

“I will convey this matter to Elfenbine as well,” Friederike responded.

“So, will you return to your duchy immediately?”

“I plan to stay until the coronation ceremony and then return.”

“For the sake of the duke’s situation, we should hold the coronation as soon as possible.”

“It seems that soon Regent Charlotte will become Emperor Charlotte.”

The regent fell silent for a moment at Duke Dux’s passing remark.

“Come to think of it,” she said, looking at Rike, “we haven’t decided who will inherit the throne yet.”

“With all due respect, it should obviously be Princess Charlotte who takes the throne,” Duke Dux interjected.

“Why is that?”

“Because the one who has practically led the Empire so far is none other than the First Princess.”

The first to speak up was Count Hans Brante, who had closely observed Charlotte’s efforts in leading the Empire as her advisor.

“I think the same, sister,” Rike added.

“I also assumed that the First Princess would ascend the throne,” continued Duke Dux.

But the person in question had a different opinion.

“Just because I’ve been acting as regent doesn’t mean I should be the emperor. Who does the Empire need most right now? It should be someone who can maintain a good relationship with Elfenbine. For that, Rike, you are more suitable than I am.”

Her argument had merit.

“But if the Second Princess ascends, other nobles might oppose it. The Second Princess hasn’t been very visible,” Brante pointed out.

“I’ve mostly been in Elfenbine. I don’t know the domestic situation as well as my sister does,” Rike admitted.

To summarize, Charlotte, the First Princess, had been involved in governance as the regent, understanding the Empire’s circumstances better than anyone. Friederike, the Second Princess, was crucial for maintaining diplomacy, especially with Elfenbine. The regent had initially sent her to Elfenbine to lay the groundwork for improving relations with the Magic Tower.

The situation where each princess was trying to yield the throne to the other was at a standstill. ‘Then isn’t it a simple matter?’ Binaeril thought, as the answer seemed obvious to him.

“Why don’t both of you rule together?” he suggested.

All eyes turned to Binaeril at his unexpected proposal.

“What do you mean?” asked Charlotte.

“You both possess unique strengths. The First Princess understands domestic affairs, while the Second Princess is ideal for fostering international relations. If you think about it simply, why not combine both of your strengths?”

“Joint coronation… is that what you’re suggesting?” inquired Count Brante.

“There’s no precedent for that in the Empire’s history, or any other kingdom I can think of,” Brante said.

“Just because there’s no precedent doesn’t mean it’s impossible. The two of you aren’t enemies, so what’s stopping you?”

“Hmm…”

Initially, there was hesitation, but gradually, people began to agree with Binaeril’s logic.

“Either way, whoever becomes emperor, it will be the first time a female emperor has ruled the Empire. Isn’t your priority the Empire’s future rather than tradition or precedent?”

The two princesses looked at each other. The deep bond of trust between them was something no one else could interfere with.

‘The important thing is the future of the Empire, not tradition or precedent.’

“Sir Dalheim is right,” Charlotte said.

“I agree,” added Friederike.

The two blonde princesses smiled at each other, marking the moment when the new rulers of the Empire were decided.

That night, someone visited the Second Princess’s chambers. Charlotte and Friederike were sitting together, talking.

“Who could it be at this hour?”

“Maybe it’s a secret lover coming to visit?”

“Stop teasing me!”

The visitor was Binaeril Dalheim.

Charlotte gave her sister a mischievous look. “So it’s true, you sneaky girl…”

“No, it’s not!”

Binaeril waited for the sisters to stop bickering.

“So, Binaeril, what brings you here?”

“I have a favor to ask.”

“A favor? You could have mentioned it during the day. What’s so urgent that it couldn’t wait?” asked Charlotte.

Binaeril had his reasons for not bringing it up during the day. During the daytime, Count Brante or Sylvia were always around the princesses, and the favor he was about to ask would surely make them vehemently oppose. He thought he might be able to reason with Rike, which is why he came late at night. It didn’t matter that the First Princess was also there, as she would find out soon enough anyway.

“There is something I want in return for helping the Second Princess.”

At that moment, Charlotte had a strong premonition. Her mind raced.

‘Is he going to say, “As a reward for saving the Second Princess’s life, I want her to be given to me!” or “If the Second Princess becomes emperor, I want to be her consort…”’

‘Is he proposing all of a sudden?’

In the late night, in a bedroom that was supposed to be private, with tender emotions between the two, the First Princess realized she was an uninvited guest.

“Ahem, ahem!” Charlotte coughed before Binaeril could speak, suddenly standing up and discreetly moving to the corner of the room. Since she was already an intruder, she might as well witness the historic moment before leaving.

“Please, continue.”

“…? Well, it’s not something the regent can’t hear. I would like the Emperor’s scepter to be given to me.”

“I grant it. Sir Binaeril’s merits are more than worthy of becoming the consort of the Empress… huh?”

“The Emperor’s scepter?”

The scepter was the symbol of the Emperor and a treasure of the Empire. Adorned with gold, ivory, and jewels, it was the emblem of Albrecht. While the scepter itself was a valuable treasure, it was an odd request to ask for it as a reward. If Binaeril wanted, he could have asked for more wealth. Why specifically the symbolic scepter?

Both princesses asked simultaneously. What reason could Binaeril, who was neither of royal blood nor even a citizen of the Empire, have for needing the Emperor’s scepter? He couldn’t reveal that the item was a fragment. Instead, he stumbled over the prepared excuse.

“I wish to keep it as a token of the bond I have formed with the Empire by helping Princess Friederike.”

Even to him, the excuse sounded flimsy. But Regent Charlotte thought differently. Watching Binaeril stammer and tremble, her youthful imagination took flight.

“What do you mean… Binaeril, this isn’t like you. I won’t forget you, so why do you need a token? And of all things, the Emperor’s scepter?”

“No, no! Take it. What does the symbol of the royal family matter? Sir Dalheim and our sister are the future of the Empire. Fine, if you need it, we’ll give you more.”

Regent Charlotte enthusiastically accepted Binaeril’s request.

– “Didn’t I say it would work?”

‘This is working?’

In truth, he was merely parroting what Veritas had instructed him to say.

“But what do you mean by the future of the Empire…”

– “Hey, hey! You don’t need to know. Just say thank you and grab the scepter.”