I'm Reborn as A Villian in A Otome Sim

Chapter Fifteen: An investigation of The Noble Circle

Meanwhile....
The emperor sighed as he read the reports of the traitorous individuals that spoke blasphemy about the royal linage and himself.
"To think I still had some rats alive after my younger brother died huh. Those bastards don't know when to quit," he thought while flipping through the pages.
A knock was heard at the door. Currently the king sat in his study in his less formal ware. He sighed while he flipped again.
"Announce yourself," He stated.
Igris shifted his gaze to the door as it opened. It was Duke Belfast. His face wasn't a happy one.
"Nick," he said with a surprised look.
"Good afternoon, your majesty."
"Nick, how is it going," Igris asked with a smile.
"Ahem, your majesty, please refrain from calling me that."
"But that's what I called you before when we were children, why not now, hmm?"
"Now we're both adults with different status, your highness," he said.
"So, what did you want to report,"Igris asked changing the topic quickly.
"Well, I'm sure you heard off the attempted assassination of my daughter and myself."
"I've heard about the one.on.your daughter but I would have never thought someone had the balls to go after one of the most powerful magicians in the kingdom."
"Well, there are fools, but they were cowards and tried to poison me," he said while moving towards the couch in his study.
"Nick, this is serious, I can't have you or Azrael dying, my mental state would perish. You guys are like brothers to me, all of you, Hal and even Klein," he said.
The emperor's expression softened slightly as he leaned back in his chair, a mix of nostalgia and concern in his eyes.

"I know you're more than capable of handling it, but we can't overlook these things. If they're desperate enough to attempt something like this, we might be dealing with a larger conspiracy," Igris said, his voice laced with genuine worry.

Duke Belfast-Nick, as Igris affectionately called him-nodded thoughtfully. "I've taken measures. My household is on high alert, and I've increased security around my daughter. But your majesty, this isn't just about me or Azrael. It's a direct challenge to your reign."

The emperor's brow furrowed. "That's exactly why it's concerning. These remnants of rebellion, still loyal to my brother, might be more entrenched than we thought. But they're not going to stop at poison, and if they're desperate enough, they might try to target more than just individuals."

Nicholas's eyes darkened as he glanced at the emperor. "You think they might go after the sealed artifact?"

"That's one of my fears, yes. They might be hoping to destabilize everything by aiming for what's most dangerous."

Nicholas stood, pacing slowly as he processed the emperor's words. "Then we need to act preemptively. Let's root out these rats before they grow bolder. I'll coordinate with Azrael and Marquis Reez-we can't afford to let them organize further."

Igris nodded, the warmth from their earlier conversation now replaced with the resolve of two men who had shared battles and burdens for years. "We'll deal with this together, just like old times. But, Nick, do watch yourself. I don't want to lose any more family, even if some of them are only family by choice."

Nicholas smiled faintly, appreciating the emperor's sentiment, even if he wouldn't show it openly. "Of course, your majesty. We'll crush them, just like we always have."

With that, Nicholas made his way to the door, pausing briefly to look back at Igris. "Just be careful yourself. These enemies might be desperate enough to try something reckless."

Igris waved a hand dismissively, but his eyes remained sharp. "Let them come. They'll regret it."

As Nicholas left the study, Igris turned his gaze back to the reports, his mind already shifting to the next move. The shadows of rebellion were growing, but he had no intention of letting them snuff out the light of his empire.