Alistair left the Imperial Palace feeling a familiar headache forming.
The Emperor's words still lingered in his mind:
"Be careful. Vivienne Devereux is not a woman who plays fair."
He knew that already.
But what mattered now was how she planned to move next.
Back at the Imperial Council Hall, Alistair sat at his grand oak desk, reviewing the latest financial reports.
The Empire's taxation policies, the grain distribution plans, the reorganization of border defenses—these were the things that actually mattered.
But of course, Cedric had to ruin his focus.
His aide knocked twice before entering. "Sir, another noble is here to see you."
Alistair didn't even look up. "Tell them I'm dead."
Cedric coughed. "Uh, it's Lady Seraphina Reinhardt."
Alistair sighed. "Fine. Let her in."
Moments later, Seraphina strode in, dressed in an elegant black and crimson outfit—a noblewoman's hunting attire, complete with leather gloves and a sword at her hip.
She looked at the stacks of papers on his desk. "Gods, do you ever stop working?"
"No."
Seraphina smirked. "Typical."
Alistair leaned back in his chair, giving her an expectant look. "What do you want?"
Seraphina sat in the chair across from him, crossing her legs. "Straight to business? Fine. I came to warn you."
Alistair raised an eyebrow. "About?"
Seraphina's expression turned serious. "The Reinhardt family has been receiving… unusual diplomatic inquiries."
Alistair frowned. "From Aurion?"
She nodded. "They're interested in alliances. Trade agreements. Political marriages."
Alistair exhaled slowly. "I assume Vivienne is behind this."
Seraphina smirked. "Of course. She's testing the waters, seeing which noble factions she can influence. And naturally, my father sent her a very polite rejection."
Alistair sighed. "And what do you want from me?"
Seraphina leaned forward, her green eyes glinting. "I want to know what you're planning to do about it."
Alistair tapped his fingers against his desk, thinking.
Vivienne wasn't wasting time. She was already laying the groundwork for something bigger.
Finally, he responded.
"For now? Nothing."
Seraphina raised an eyebrow. "Nothing?"
Alistair gave her a small, dangerous smirk. "Let her think she has the advantage. That's when she'll make a mistake."
Seraphina chuckled. "Cold-blooded as always."
Alistair ignored the comment. "If your family receives more offers, let me know."
Seraphina stood, stretching lazily. "Of course. And Alistair?"
He looked at her.
She grinned mischievously. "Try not to let Vivienne seduce you."
Alistair stared at her blankly. "…Get out."
Seraphina laughed as she exited his office.
Hours later, as Alistair finally finished his paperwork, Cedric entered again—this time looking uneasy.
Alistair sighed. "What now?"
Cedric hesitated. "We… have a problem."
Alistair pinched the bridge of his nose. "Of course we do."
Then Cedric stepped aside, revealing someone behind him.
A woman, dressed in an exquisitely tailored dark blue dress, stepped into the office.
Silver-blonde hair. Golden eyes. A knowing smile.
Vivienne Devereux.
Alistair's jaw tightened.
"…How the hell did you get in here?"
Vivienne tilted her head. "Your guards are quite talented. But I'm… persistent."
Cedric cleared his throat. "Sir, I—"
"Leave," Alistair ordered.
Cedric hesitated before nodding and exiting the room.
Vivienne smiled as she gracefully sat across from him. "Now then, Lord Ashencrest… shall we talk?"
Alistair sighed deeply.
This was going to be annoying.
End of Chapter 8