### Chapter: 313
‘Another Empire, huh.’
Kraush stepped onto the teleportation facility heading toward the Empire, his familiarity evident in the way he moved.
Since the dark witch had meddled once before, the teleportation facility was now more fortified than ever.
When Kraush opened his eyes, he found himself in a region called Terasius, not far from the capital of the Empire.
From here, he planned to make his way to the Lagrain territory, home to the Lagrain family.
“Fourth Princess, please be careful as you step down.”
“Yeah, I will.”
At that moment, Kraush turned his gaze as two voices caught his attention.
He was originally supposed to be heading to Lagrain with just Haring, but it appeared he had gained an unexpected companion.
That companion was none other than the Fourth Princess of the Empire, Sigrid Ephania.
Even the Poison King had to retract his conditions for someone of her stature.
After the Emperor cured his white sickness, he had slyly nudged some power into Sigrid’s hands.
As a result, her reputation within the Empire had notably risen.
But the fact that talk of her inheritability to the throne remained absent showcased just how meticulously the Emperor was consolidating power.
‘He doesn’t plan to make Sigrid an Emperor but certainly injects her with enough authority.’
Kraush grimaced as he perceived all too clearly the Emperor’s intentions.
This was clearly a scheme to marry Kraush and Sigrid, allowing them to produce an heir to the throne.
‘What a crazy old man.’
His persistence made him even more bothersome.
Whatever he said seemed destined to come true.
A typical thought for an emperor.
As Sigrid emerged, escorted by Sera and Haring, she hurriedly climbed into the waiting carriage.
It was a carriage sent by the Lagrain family.
“What are you waiting for? Get in!”
In a brazen display, she gestured for them to join her, almost as if she owned the carriage.
True to herself, she was unabashedly assertive.
Upon making eye contact with Haring, Kraush nodded, and the two climbed into the carriage together.
Sera then closed the carriage door and moved toward the horses.
With just the three of them left inside the small space,
While Kraush and Sigrid were familiar with each other, to Haring, Sigrid was one of the highest-ranking individuals in the Empire.
Perhaps due to that, Haring appeared considerably tense compared to when she was with the Lion’s Order.
A memory of Haring’s previous stoicism surfaced in Kraush’s mind.
“Don’t be too stiff. I haven’t eaten anyone yet,” Sigrid said with a playful smile.
Nevertheless, it seemed it would take time for Haring to relax.
Left alone, the atmosphere in the carriage would surely become stifling.
So, Kraush decided to break the ice.
“So, Sigrid, what’s the reason you decided to join us at Lagrain?”
Sigrid had suddenly appeared alongside them when they set off, claiming she wanted to accompany them to Lagrain.
Though Kraush initially found her intention suspicious, he knew Sigrid well enough.
She never acted impulsively in matters of great importance.
When the brain of the Empire took action, it was typically for a reason.
Thus, Kraush decided to skip questioning her sudden appearance and brought her along.
“There’s a spy in the Lagrain family.”
Sure enough, Sigrid dropped a bombshell of a statement.
Haring stiffened, and Kraush’s eyes widened in surprise.
“A spy? From where?”
“Sigrid Ephania.”
The name that rolled off Sigrid’s tongue was none other than her own.
Rumor had it she was holed up in a room, and yet, it seemed she was up to no good behind the scenes.
“Actually, it’s not just Lagrain. Sigrid’s agents have begun to infiltrate several families.”
“Since you found this out, it means the Emperor is aware of it as well, right?”
“Exactly. His Majesty is also suspicious and keeping an eye on things. Though he has a hunch, there’s still no hard evidence.”
Kraush couldn’t help but realize just how ruthless the imperial family could be.
Instead of believing in their daughter’s suspicious actions, they opted to resolve their doubts first.
It wasn’t even this bad with Balheim, who only worshipped power.
‘It’s the perfect structure to drive anyone mad.’
With a sigh, Kraush reclined in his seat.
“So, you went out to gather that evidence?”
“In a way, yes. I’ve set some bait recently. If we’re lucky, the spies might bite first.”
Just typical Sigrid.
At the same time, Kraush shot her a bewildered glance.
“What’s with throwing yourself out as bait when you have trouble keeping yourself safe?”
He knew this was part of her character, but it was still a risky business, considering she could put herself in danger.
Yet Sigrid unwaveringly looked him in the eye.
“Aren’t you going to help your lady?”
She had intended to use him as backup from the beginning.
With a mischievous smile, Sigrid leaned her elbows on her knees, resting her chin in her hands.
“Besides, Kraush, when you’re around, there’s a greater chance for the spies to make their move. It seems my sister despises you quite a bit.”
Having done plenty to earn hatred, she was spot on.
If that were the case, Kraush welcomed it.
It would be a great chance to cut out Sigrid’s roots.
“Do you know what the spies aim to achieve?”
“While discussions are still ongoing regarding that, broadly speaking…”
A smile crept onto Sigrid’s lips.
“Rebellion.”
Her next words made it clear why the imperial family was keeping a watchful eye on Sigrid’s activities.
Sigrid, it seems, had begun moving chaotically beyond anyone’s wildest imagination.
‘It must be that she feels there’s no way back now.’
‘With nowhere else to go, she’s hell-bent on causing havoc. Isn’t that the gist of it?’
Kraush rubbed the back of his neck, feeling a wave of exhaustion wash over him.
Once again, he understood why Arthur kept three women by his side.
If not kept in sight, they would inevitably create chaos.
Whether he liked it or not, it was definitely easier having them close by.
“So now you’re going along for the ride, huh? What about you, Haring? Are you okay with this?”
As Kraush felt his fatigue creeping in, Sigrid turned her gaze to Haring.
The heavy atmosphere had made it hard to breathe, and Haring flinched.
She quickly lowered her head to Sigrid.
“Of course, for the Ephania Imperial Family, I, Haring Lagrain, will assist with all my heart.”
The Lagrain family had been somewhat sidelined since the rise of the Poison King.
While they were in the process of recovering their status, it certainly wouldn’t be overnight.
‘Haring possesses the ability to cure diseases caused by world erosion. Eventually, she won’t be a problem.’
For now, however, the reality was that the Lagrain family was losing ground.
Perhaps this time, helping the imperial family would assist in restoring Lagrain’s status.
‘They must have calculated that and intentionally forged this path.’
The Lagrain family surely possessed the Ten Great Lords.
Of course, as the daughter of the Lagrain family, Haring had deep ties with Kraush.
Haring still felt the weight of the considerable debts she incurred with Kraush, so it was clear she would stand by him while attempting to rebuild the Lagrain family.
At this point, it wouldn’t be wrong to say that Sigrid and Kraush were now in the same boat.
Kraush shot a glance at Sigrid.
She merely smiled back without saying a word.
Truly, she was cunning.
“You’ll soon conquer the Empire at this rate.”
“Unfortunately, my mouth isn’t that large.”
Sigrid cleverly deflected Kraush’s comment.
Somehow, it appeared even Sigrid couldn’t be neglectful about the Empire now.
“Just don’t do anything reckless. At the very least, let us know beforehand.”
“Oh please, who do you think I am? My lord will save me no matter what I get into!”
“Don’t use me as your safety net. Also…”
Kraush spoke with a rare seriousness.
“People are unpredictable. Sigrid, you could really get hurt.”
That last teleport incident with the dark witch was a stark reminder.
Had it been Sigrid rather than Kraush caught up in that mess, she would have been truly finished.
Sigrid, sensing the genuine concern he had for her, eased back her playful attitude.
“I’ll keep that in mind.”
What a smart girl she was.
He had faith she’d really take care.
Kraush thought this as he gazed out of the carriage, convinced that Sigrid’s downfall was drawing close.
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