“Why? Is your face like that?” It’s laughable, but I'm suppressing my laughter.

“What are you talking about, Gonzi? You wanted this marriage.”

“And you don’t. That’s why I’m calling it off.”

“And who said that I don’t want this engagement?”

Why does he seem so afraid? Ah, I see. His dad and their whole clan are putting all their bets on him. Well, too bad I’m not the gullible Gonzi that you know.

I place my right arm on the table and my right hand under my chin, looking at him with disinterest.

“Hey, Alfonso, I’m getting bored. I have a lot of things to do. I'll send the official document to your house. It’s my decision; don’t worry, I’ll take responsibility.”

“It’s not about taking responsibility, Gonzi. This is very sudden. I wouldn’t just let you cancel the engagement. My family wouldn’t stand still on this.”

“That’s why I said I’m going to take responsibility. I still have a meeting with the knights; would you mind? Please escort him out, Esteban.”

Esteban smiled. “Yes, Your Highness.”

“This is not proper. I’ll ask my parents to set up a meeting with the Emperor.”

“Feel free to do so.”

He seems restless and uneasy. Hmm, how did you actually become the emperor after the revolution? You’re weak.

“Esteban, call Gaston outside.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

Gaston came nervously sweating.

“You called, Your Highness?”

“Make sure to place this image recording magic stone inside your nephew’s Kalesa (Horse carriage). Can you?”

“Yes, Your Highness, as you order.”

“Esteban, put this image recording in our barn. That’s where they always meet.”

“Yes, Your Highness. I will do it immediately.”

Isabella is just a minor character, but she can be very annoying with my plans. She can be a cunning person who is pro-Adinerado. Might as well eliminate the obstruction while it’s still early.

“Gaston, I’m reminding you. One small hint of betrayal and you’re going to burn immediately.” I smiled coldly.

“Please trust me, Your Highness.”

“Very well, off you go.”

Next stop: The Temple. I need to talk to the high priest. I will try to manipulate the oracle once again using my power. The temple will be one of my powerful allies.

In the novel, the temple was a supporter of the Honestos. They believed that only the Honestos inherited the holy power from Bathala. Therefore, during the revolution, they were one of the key factors why even the commoners wanted to overthrow us. But one of those who weren’t in favor of joining the revolution was Pope Alon. Alon in Filipino means waves; this name also means bringer of life to the ocean’s calmness. They give hope, joy, and faith in the deepest trials in life. But in the novel, he was overthrown by the greedy priest Sinag, the ever-blind follower of the Honestos. However, Priest Sinag is now in isolation after the coronation. He was accused of idolatry, which is the biggest sin for a follower of Bathala. For priests in the temple, Bathala’s Oracle is absolute. Since Sinag clearly shows his support for a noble family, this went against Bathala’s Oracle (the one I manipulated) during the coronation.

“We reached the temple, Your Highness.”

”Great, let’s go and see the Pope.”