“I’ve heard something about it.”

“If preparations are already in their final stages, we can’t prevent the establishment of a standing army. Once the standing army is established, they will become stronger, compensating for their insufficient military power.”

The Grand Duke put down his teacup and said:

“What’s the problem with that? Their military power doesn’t even come close to that of the Grand Duchy.”

Eve shook her head.

“You shouldn’t think that way. While Ptotr lacks infantry and cavalry, don’t they excel in energy reserves and construction bases? It wouldn’t be surprising if they caught up at any time.”

Wrinkles formed on the Grand Duke’s smooth forehead.

“Then what do you suggest? Didn’t you say we can’t prevent the establishment of a standing army?”

“That’s right. That’s precisely why you must seize the opportunity well. The establishment of a standing army requires three months after approval from the Papal Office. Even if the Papal Office approves it immediately, it means we have three months.”

“What exactly can be done within those three months?”

“During that period, the subjugation campaign will be held.”

The Grand Duke’s furrowed expression suddenly changed to one of surprise.

“Subjugation campaign… subjugation campaign…”

He repeated the words as if trying to recall something.

Then suddenly, his eyebrows shot up.

“The subjugation campaign is the opportunity.”

“Exactly.”

The perfect opportunity to overthrow Ptotr before they could prepare for war was the subjugation campaign, when all those in power would be absent.

The Grand Duke, who had been chuckling, lifted his head and burst into loud laughter.

“I see! Of course! So it comes to this in the end. I wonder why I’ve been trying to maintain such friendly relations with them all this time. I feel foolish for my past actions!”

After laughing and muttering to himself for a while, the Grand Duke spoke to Eve.

“Thank you for bringing me to my senses. Yes, the Grand Duchy grew through war in the first place. It’s foolish to fear war.”

He seemed to have realized something. His eyes sharpened like a predator spotting prey.

“Do you know something interesting? Recently, the Duke of Archild came to me with a proposal. He said he would establish a barrier for three years if I granted his request. That means our military power will have some leeway for three years.”

The Grand Duke’s expression as he spoke resembled that of a brainwashed believer. He thought he shouldn’t miss this opportunity, just as Eve had suggested.

“It seems heaven is helping me. Meeting you like this. Receiving the Duke of Archild’s help at this time.”

Watching him, Eve neither encouraged nor discouraged him. She simply intended to watch him walk into h*ll of his own accord.

She planned to guide him toward the path to h*ll whenever he tried to take an easier route.

‘Yes, trust me. Think that I’m someone who would sacrifice everything for this country.’

Because then she could inflict greater suffering.

***

Eve looked extremely precarious after meeting with the Grand Duke.

Not only was her complexion pale, but she looked as though she might collapse at any moment.

Eve held her breath against the nausea that threatened to rise.

She couldn’t delay any longer.

Uncharacteristically, Eve ran back to her room.

“Ugh.”

Upon reaching her room, Eve couldn’t collect herself due to the overwhelming urge to vomit.

The nausea wouldn’t stop.

In her mind, she vividly saw the image of Ivan being tortured.

‘Horrible…’

The Grand Duke, sitting on a massive throne, coldly glaring at Ivan as he squeezed out his strength to create holy stones.

The image was clear in her mind: Ivan sacrificing his life on the Grand Duke’s orders, and the Grand Duke contemplating how to take his life.

After staring at Ivan for a long time, the Grand Duke clenched his hand and shattered his wine glass.

The wine glass in his hand overlapped with Ivan in her vision. It looked as if Ivan’s life was being shattered into pieces, causing Eve to gasp.

The shards of the broken wine glass hit the floor with a sharp sound. The red color of the wine flowing between the glass fragments resembled blood.

“Gasp…”

Eve couldn’t tell whether this was her imagination or reality.

Beads of sweat that had formed on her forehead trickled down her face.

Rapid breaths repeatedly brushed over her red lips.

‘Pull yourself together. You need to pull yourself together.’

Unable to calm herself, Eve pinched the flesh of her thigh to shake off her thoughts.

She couldn’t afford to make mistakes during this crucial period when her revenge was beginning.

‘As nauseating as it is.’

She had to continue facing him and be careful not to ruin everything with a moment of emotion.

Eve roughly wiped her mouth with a tissue.

The Grand Duke was a perceptive and sharp person.

If she made a mistake, he might notice her anxiety and try to uncover her schemes.

Eve took a deep breath to remove the anxiety within her.

Fortunately, the Grand Duke hadn’t realized that Eve and Ivan were twin siblings.

If the ambitious and ruthless Grand Duke discovered this fact, she might lose her head immediately, let alone achieve revenge.

‘It’s okay. You’ve done well so far.’

How long had she been trying to calm her unsettled heart?

As she sat on the edge of the bed, regulating her breathing, there was a knock on the door.

‘Is it the Duke?’

With a creaking sound from the door hinges, Medric appeared.

“I brought you some food… What’s wrong with you? Why do you look like that?”

It seemed strange—just the other day she had found his daily visits annoying, but now just seeing him brought her comfort.

Her body, stiff with tension, began to relax.

But only for a moment—perhaps because of the sudden release of tension, her body began to tremble. When she raised her hand, she could see it shaking like a vibration.

“Are you unwell?”

Medric asked as he placed the meal he had brought on the table and approached her.

He knelt on the floor to meet her gaze and checked her condition. His hand on her shoulder was careful.

“Your pupils are unfocused, and you’re shaking too much. Oh no, you’re burning up. Wait, I’ll call for a physician. I’ll bring a priest as well if possible.”

Medric, who had placed his hand on her forehead, rose from his seat in alarm.

She really hadn’t intended to do it. She hadn’t, but unconsciously, Eve’s hand grabbed the edge of Medric’s clothes.

Medric froze at her gesture, as if telling him not to go.

It was the first time Eve had grabbed him like this.

‘Why.’

Eve was also surprised by her own action and stopped.

Perhaps it was exhaustion. Or perhaps it was the weight of everything that troubled her. She simply wanted to be with him for a moment.

When she was with him, at least she didn’t have to worry about other things.

Eve admitted it to herself. In this strange land without a single place to lean on, amid all these unfamiliar events, Medric had somehow become a sanctuary for her.

The strength left Eve’s hand that was holding Medric. As her hand was about to fall to the floor, he caught it.

“I won’t leave. I’ll stay here, so rest. Get some sleep.”

Medric carefully held Eve’s hand and spoke soothingly.

Why did this man act so kindly without asking questions, as if he understood everything?

‘What exactly does he see in me…’

She had never properly demonstrated her divine power to him. He seemed unconcerned about what Eve did or what powers she possessed.

He simply remained steadfastly by her side.

Just like now.

Medric carefully lifted Eve and laid her on the bed. His touch was warm as he meticulously covered her with the blanket.

He pulled a chair next to the bed and sat down.

Eve closed her eyes under his gaze, which seemed to say he truly wouldn’t leave, so she shouldn’t worry.

Soon she felt an awkward touch. He was gently stroking her as she lay there. His touch, neither too fast nor too slow, almost brought tears to her eyes.

Somehow, the churning in her stomach that had felt like motion sickness had subsided.

With tension and trembling gone, her consciousness suddenly began to sink beneath the surface of sleep.

Though she tried to blink to stay awake, it was only for a moment before Eve lost consciousness.