The Emperor’s Eye.
One of the core settings in [The Villainess Rewinds Time Again].
The artificial humans created by the Emperor to monitor the nobles are called the Emperor’s Eye. Typically, they become the butlers or maids of the noble households and report the nobility’s movements to the Emperor.
In cases where the Emperor suspects a high risk of rebellion, they eliminate the noble’s family and replace them with the Emperor’s Eye.
The Emperor’s Eye, acting as the family member, passes on any information about potential rebellion to the Imperial family once they become aware.
That is the role of the Emperor’s Eye.
No matter how much it is to prevent rebellion, it’s quite a malicious method. It also signifies that the Imperial family is vigilant against uprisings.
“Allen, how are you feeling?”
“I’m perfectly fine.”
Naturally, even for me, the most influential noble in the Empire of Arye, there exists the Emperor’s Eye. Allen, a butler who has served the House of Hardenberg for a long time, is the Emperor’s Eye.
To be precise, he was someone who used to be the Emperor’s Eye.
“Please sit as I need to adjust things.”
“Understood.”
Allen replied and took a seat in the office chair. Watching him, I awakened the mana within me. With a refreshing sensation filling my body, I noticed a peculiar symbol on the back of his neck.
An engraving that seemed to be the Imperial emblem inverted.
In the original story, Abel had failed to see this engraving, which led to his betrayal by Allen. The reason I can now see this engraving is purely due to my slightly higher level of magic compared to original Abel.
‘..Has the corruption intensified?’
This engraving on Allen’s neck, which attempts to erode his mind, is precisely why the Emperor’s Eye cannot defy the Imperial family’s commands. Magic is directly engraved onto their bodies, forcing them to obey orders unconditionally.
Thus, most Emperor’s Eyes live by strictly following the Imperial family’s commands without any freedom of will.
However, I have instead been using Allen’s engraving to employ him as a double agent.
The power of the engraving can be sufficiently suppressed with magic, and conversely, I can gather information about the Imperial family, which makes Allen a very important asset for me.
One of the sources through which I can gather information from the Imperial family is indeed his engraving.
Allen, too, is undoubtedly pleased to no longer play the puppet he has been for decades and has devoted unconditional loyalty to me.
It’s truly a win-win relationship for both sides.
Whew…
I began concentrating on the information being transmitted while suppressing the engraving’s effect using mana. Fragmented words began to assemble into a few phrases in my mind.
Imperial family, movement, truth.
Zap!
As a blue electric current sparked from the engraving, I immediately withdrew the magic. If I suppressed it any further, there was a high chance the Imperial family would catch on.
“The adjustments are done. It seems this level of information gathering is my limit, for now.”
“Thank you.”
“Off you go.”
“Understood. By the way, what about the Royal Auction House?”
“I’m planning to visit this afternoon. Make sure to inform Adele.”
“Understood.”
Allen replied and left the office.
‘..The Imperial family has begun to move.’
The information provided by the princess was accurate. The Imperial family, which generally doesn’t lift a finger unless necessary, is now starting to take action. They won’t touch me yet since there’s no concrete evidence, but that doesn’t mean I can relax.
After all, the Imperial family is notoriously persistent and tenacious.
And the fact that the Imperial family is moving surely indicates that other entities will also start to act.
The Emperor’s Sword.
In the original story, these are the villains.
The Emperor’s subordinates, who bear an even more powerful engraving than the Emperor’s Eye. They are the executors who deal with those who attempt rebellion.
That is the Emperor’s Sword.
‘Now it begins.’
So far, nothing has deviated significantly from the original story. Except for that foolish Crown Prince giving the order to attack Adele.
I hope this matter goes smoothly according to my plans.
*
“Adele, Adele!”
Before me, Lily looked at me with curious eyes.
“What’s the reason your face turned red when you came out with the Duke this morning?”
“Ugh…”
At her innocent question, I buried my face into the blanket.
I can never tell her. I can’t admit that I got outsmarted while trying to tease Abel.
I thought I’d become somewhat immune to the cringy lines listening to the Crown Prince, but that was not the case at all. Strangely enough, Abel’s words felt far more cringy than those from any other man.
I still don’t know why.
“C-Could it be that you’re already…?!”
“No!”
I unknowingly denied loudly at Lily’s astonishment. It’s a mere contract marriage, and there’s no way I could tell her about it.
Everything else is fine, but I have no idea what would happen if I told Lily, who can’t tell a lie, about this contract.
“Then what is it?”
“It’s just… we slept together.”
“Isn’t that kinda the same?!”
“It’s different, Lily. It means exactly what it says.”
“Ehh.. Duke, you’re too much! How can you not even touch such a beautiful lady like Adele next to you?!”
As she said that, my already flushed face turned even hotter.
Lily can’t lie. Meaning she always speaks her true feelings. That’s why I helped her when she was being ostracized among the maids, leading her to develop feelings for me.
But nonetheless, her sincere words are honestly quite embarrassing to hear.
“Stop it…”
“But I truly meant it!”
“That’s what makes it even harder to hear…”
“Hmm.. I understand. By the way, are you feeling hungry? I brought some snacks from Laura. Do you want some?”
Saying that, Lily presented the treats from the drawer beside the bed. Holding a bowl filled with colorful macarons, she placed it on the tea table.
Then, placing a cup of hot chocolate on the table, Lily looked at me with a cheerful face and said,
“Let’s eat together!”
“Thank you.”
Feeling like I was looking at a big Golden Retriever, I chuckled and sat down in a chair next to the tea table, popping one of the macarons into my mouth.
“..Delicious.”
“Hehe. Isn’t it great! Actually, I made the macarons with Laura’s help.”
“Impressive! This is one of the best things I’ve ever eaten.”
“Thank you for the compliment…”
As Lily smiled happily, I found myself petting her head without realizing it. She closed her eyes, seemingly enjoying the moment.
She is truly one of the few sanctuaries in my heart. Being with Lily brings me peace. After coming to this world, the fact that I was able to endure was largely thanks to her.
Of course, lately, Abel has also been…
“Though I mainly came to see my lovely fiancée.”
..It definitely doesn’t feel the same. My fiancée, who only makes a habit out of teasing me, is far from being considered a sanctuary.
While I was thinking that, Lily finishing her hot chocolate leaned back lazily. A little brown liquid was smeared at the corner of her mouth.
“What are you doing, being so clumsy?”
Saying that, I took a handkerchief and wiped the corner of her mouth. She looked at me in surprise and then said,
“Thank you… Oh, please give me the handkerchief! I’ll wash it today!”
“Will you?”
“I absolutely will!”
I handed the handkerchief to Lily, who carefully folded it and placed it in her pocket.
Knock, knock.
Suddenly, prompted by the knocking sound, I turned my head.
‘..Is it Allen?’
“Come in.”
“Excuse me.”
Just as I guessed, Allen opened the door and entered. He glanced at me for a moment before bowing slightly and continued speaking.
“The Duke has requested you keep your afternoon clear.”
‘..Afternoon?’
It’s history class then… What’s the reason for such a message?
“He mentioned he’s planning to go to the Royal Auction House.”
‘..The Royal Auction House?’
“I understand. I’ll keep the time free.”
“Thank you. I’ll convey that to the Duke. Then I’ll take my leave now.”
After finishing his words, Allen exited the room.
By the way, the Royal Auction House…
If my memory serves me right, only nobles above the rank of Count can participate in this auction. While this wasn’t detailed in the information my friend provided, it’s famous enough to be common knowledge.
It’s a specialized auction that requires nobles above the rank of Count to be accompanied by their wives or fiancées to enter. Unlike underground auctions, as it is led by the Imperial family, its reliability is higher.
‘Since I’m the fiancée, is he planning to go?’
If that’s the case, it makes sense. As far as I remember, the Duke of Hardenberg has never brought another woman into the house before.
“What’s the Royal Auction House?”
“It’s an auction led by the Imperial family.”
“An auction?”
“It’s a method where the person who offers the highest price buys the item.”
“I see.. Can I go too?”
“Of course. You can bring a maid along, so it shouldn’t be an issue at all.”
“Thank goodness!”
Saying that, Lily grabbed the doorknob.
“Well, I’ll head out now!”
“Okay. Take care.”
“Yes!”
With a cheerful voice, she answered and left the room.
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