He was terrifyingly prepared.

Though perhaps more than prepared, he was gambling. And now, that gamble had turned into foresight—for what was once speculation, even wishful thinking, had indeed become reality.

Just as Duke Flexy was pondering this, his thoughts were interrupted by the voice of the Star Emperor.

He quickly looked up. “Yes, my Emperor?”

The Star Emperor spoke with a calm but heavy tone:

“Though this plan of mine could bring success… it remains our last resort.”

“Yes, I can persuade the Dark Elven Empire and even the Mountain Dwarves to go along with our course of action. But the Forgers’ Guild and the Alchemy Accord? They won’t agree. They’re too large. Galactic powers, both of them, with influence across multiple galaxies. And to them, reputation is everything.”

“Even if they risk losing access to the Holy Region, they would accept that loss rather than stain their reputation or break their sacred codes. For them, pride outweighs opportunity.”

The Star Emperor let out a faint sigh.

“I can’t force them—not with our current strength, not against giants like them. So I’ll continue looking for alternatives. But if all paths are blocked, then we’ll follow this plan regardless. It will be enough… enough to achieve my ultimate goal.”

Duke Flexy gave a slow, thoughtful nod. He understood the delicate politics behind it—and nearly chuckled at the obvious flaw in the plan. Still, it was better to move decisively now than to sit idle.

He straightened slightly and spoke:

“Then allow me to do something that might buy us more time.”

“I’ll have the Minoru Clan mobilize every ounce of power they can muster. They’ll establish a blockade around the Holy Region, targeting nearby minor factions—those small, eager powers that might swarm the area like vultures and spread word before we’re ready.”

“They may not understand the exact phenomenon behind the mana clouds… but they’ll know enough to suspect something significant is unfolding. If they spread rumors before we’re prepared, the larger galactic powers will hear of it too early.”

Flexy’s eyes narrowed with resolve.

“Meanwhile, I’ll have my fleet reinforce the Minoru blockade and contain the area. We’ll keep the pressure tight—and buy you the time you need, my Emperor.”

The Star Emperor listened carefully to Duke Flexy’s plan. The Duke’s voice held firm resolve—not false bravado, but genuine strategic insight. The Emperor gave an approving nod, the kind he rarely offered. And when he spoke, his words were not the hollow courtesies he often reserved for subordinates he didn’t trust.

This time, there was sincerity.

“Good thinking, Flexy,” the Emperor said, his voice low but honest. “Do as you’ve said—I trust you to handle it. In the meantime, I’ll continue to search for alternate solutions. But if nothing else works, we may truly have to sacrifice our pride for a time.”

Flexy nodded in full understanding.

“Whatever the cost, my Emperor… pride is temporary. And even if we do have to lower our heads briefly, it won’t weaken the Empire. If anything, it will help you.”

He looked up, a knowing gleam in his eyes.

“It will expose those who are waiting for the slightest opportunity to betray you. And when that happens… you’ll have every reason and justification to cleanse them—restructure the Empire as you see fit.”

The Star Emperor’s expression shifted—brows raised, lips parted ever so slightly. Surprise flickered in his eyes.

Flexy had seen through him. Not just the surface of the plan… but its hidden core.

“Call me surprised, Flexy,” the Emperor murmured, eyes narrowing with interest. “You’ve hit closer to the truth than I expected. That is, in fact, one of the reasons I devised this course of action. But tell me—how did you come to such a conclusion?”

Flexy remained calm, composed—yet his voice carried weight.

“It wasn’t guesswork, my Emperor. I’ve been watching those elements for a long time now. I’ve seen their hands meddling in shadows—vying for what’s mine, for what belongs to my family.”

“They’ve tried again and again to encroach upon my domain. They’re not loyal. They’re opportunists. And that’s how I knew—when the time came, you would act. You would use this moment not only to gain territory… but to expose and erase them.”

He paused.

“And they deserve it—not just for what they’ve done to me, but for trying to bargain with other powers, and interfering in the internal matters of your Empire.”

The Star Emperor leaned back slightly in his seat, a cold smile touching his lips.

But that smile held two meanings—one accepting Duke Flexy’s explanation, and the other a silent warning to himself: to remain cautious around this particular Duke.

Because Flexy wasn’t just a capable noble—he was a mind that mirrored the Emperor’s own. More than that, he was a weapon. One that, if wielded correctly, could bring immense benefit. But if turned against him… could bring more harm than the Star Emperor could afford.

No, the Emperor did not fear Flexy—after all, the Duke’s presence brought power and influence. But there was wisdom in an old saying: even a weaker enemy, if left unchecked and armed with cunning, could bring down an empire.

While the Star Emperor had his doubts, he chose to ignore them—for now. At this moment, in this stage of his grand design, he understood one thing clearly: Flexy wasn’t just useful. He was necessary.

The only person within the imperial circle in whom the Emperor held even a semblance of trust.

Doubt him he might—but he would never show it, not now, and not in the future. Still, he would watch him. Closely. Constantly. But that was a matter for another time.

After that thought passed, the Star Emperor masked his worries behind a calm expression. His gaze shifted to the holographic projection of Duke Flexy, who still remained in a kneeling position—only his face lifted, meeting the Emperor’s eyes.

“Flexy,” the Star Emperor said, his voice calm but resolute. “I’m satisfied with your analysis.”

He paused, then waved a hand slightly, as if brushing the matter aside.

“Let us leave those things for now. That’s a matter for the future—one still veiled in uncertainty. Anything can happen. The future is not fixed… and if it were, the universe would be far more predictable—and far more chaotic.”

“But fortunately… or unfortunately… it isn’t.”

With that, the Emperor’s tone shifted, growing firmer—more focused.

“Time is of the essence now. You should proceed with your preparations as you outlined. Handle the matter accordingly, and report back to me if you uncover anything significant—anything that could impact the larger picture.”

He turned slightly, his gaze distant for a moment as if already envisioning the next move.

“As for me, I’ll go and meet with those people—see if I can strike a deal. I may need to offer them some concessions, some benefits… but they’ll be minor.”

His eyes sharpened.

“Insignificant compared to what we’ll gain.”

“If we succeed, that is…” the Star Emperor added quietly, his words lingering with quiet gravity.

Flexy nodded. “Then I shall see you soon, my Emperor. May your star light the path before us.”

With that parting line, the Duke’s holographic projection shimmered—and vanished from the Emperor’s chamber.

Silence settled in the vast, dimly lit office. The Star Emperor stood still, staring at the spot where Flexy’s image had just disappeared. Then, slowly, he exhaled.

A sigh—low, contemplative—escaped his lips. And yet, at the corner of his mouth, a faint smile tugged upward.

“So, you have ambitions of your own, Flexy…” he murmured to the empty room. “I must admit—you’ve hidden that side of yourself well. Even I didn’t notice it until now.”

His smile widened ever so slightly—but his eyes grew colder.

“No matter. If you handle yourself well, I won’t mind letting you chase those ambitions. But…” his voice darkened, steel lacing every word, “if you overstep your bounds—if you reach for more than I allow—then don’t blame me for dealing with you in ways you won’t enjoy.”

He turned, walking slowly toward the towering windows that overlooked the distant stars.

“Still,” he continued softly, “you have my trust. Small though it may be, it’s trust nonetheless.”

“I have to rely on you to get through this phase. And now, seeing your true face… it only confirms it.”

He stared out into the void, the glimmering constellations reflected in his gaze.

“You’re eligible for the task ahead. I have a good eye for people, after all,” he muttered to himself, the room echoing with only his voice.

Then, the Star Emperor rose from his seat, his voice a low murmur meant only for himself.

“It’s time,” he said. “I’ll make contact with those four and see if I can extract what I need from them. If they cooperate as I expect they will—though they’ll no doubt demand a hefty reward—then so be it.”

A faint smirk played on his lips.

“I’m prepared to offer them a two percent increase in their share of the Holy Region.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep