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Lord Wilfried, on the other hand, had been appointed Minister of Internal Affairs. Additionally, many important and minor ministerial positions were assigned. Most notably, new directors were appointed to the Berlen Royal Academy.

This academy had recently been a significant source of headaches for Morringan. The students were highly undisciplined—not academically, but in terms of loyalty.

The students were deeply involved in politics. There was significant polarization among them, split along left-right lines.

A particularly popular faction known as the "Socialist Youth" was gaining traction. They did not recognize Morringan and desired a nation led by the common people instead of the monarchy.

This troubled Morringan, who sought to resolve the issue swiftly, or at least soften its impact.

"Get in touch with the academy," Morringan said calmly, looking at Adriana. Having now promoted Adriana from servant status, Morringan kept her as an assistant.

"Eliminate this so-called Socialist Youth organization as soon as possible," Morringan added in a cold, merciless tone. "Expel them from the academy or arrest them. Ensure the news doesn\'t get out."

Adriana bowed respectfully and looked at Morringan with a calmer demeanor than before. "As you wish, My Lady."

As Adriana left, Morringan returned to her paperwork, approving financial documents, and plans for new buildings, bridges, and roads.

The knock on the door drew Morringan\'s attention again. "Come in."

The door opened, and Simon entered, dressed in a sleek and simple suit. His once messy hair was now smooth and well-groomed.

"Your Majesty, it\'s time for the cabinet meeting. Allow me to accompany you, please," Simon said calmly, reminding Morringan of the meeting scheduled for the day.

"Very well, let\'s not keep them waiting," Morringan replied, already prepared in her new imperial attire. Unlike her old ecclesiastical robes, the empress\'s gown was far more extravagant.

The long skirt featured a unique harmony of purple, blue, and gold. She wore a golden belt around her waist and blue earrings.

She was the very image of an empress.

Simon opened the door for Morringan. The two slowly made their way out of the Royal Palace. The cabinet meeting room, adjacent to the palace gardens, was easily accessible due to the palace\'s recent expansion.

Although not as large as the palace, it was still beautiful and well-constructed. The newly established Imperial Guards stood at the doors, their armor uniquely adorned in red, black, and gold tones.

They wore open-faced helmets, allowing their faces to remain visible. As Morringan and Simon approached the meeting room, one of the guards saluted Morringan first before opening the door.

"Her Majesty, the shining star of the Empire, Empress Morringan is here! Everyone, pay your respects!"

As the grand doors opened, Morringan stepped inside, and everyone rose to their feet. No one dared to show disrespect as she passed.

Even Emily, who usually appeared indifferent, seemed serious this time. George, though maintaining a bold stance, was visibly tense due to his new position.

"Today marks our first cabinet meeting," Morringan began, her voice calm yet regal. As she took her seat, everyone else followed suit.

"Let\'s first discuss the general state of affairs," Morringan said, turning to Wilfried. For now, Internal Affairs held the most power, as Morringan was still hearing reports of protests.

Lord Wilfried nodded, extending a stack of documents. "These contain detailed reports, but I can provide a brief summary if you prefer."

Morringan nodded in approval, prompting Wilfried to speak. "There have been some attempts at protests in the cities, but we suppressed them before they could spread. For now, there are no issues."

Wilfried\'s eyes narrowed as he continued. "However, we\'re still facing problems in the Pentapolis. Recently, the people seem increasingly inclined toward socialism."

Morringan sighed internally but did not let her emotions show. Wilfried turned to her with a serious expression and continued, "We lack spies and intelligence to assist us. We\'re entirely reliant on our own efforts. We need a Ministry of Propaganda."

Morringan narrowed her eyes and turned to Thomas. Unlike the others, Thomas was still dressed in his valet uniform, appearing calm and indifferent.

Though new to his role, Thomas was proving effective as the Minister of Intelligence. While not yet strong enough to fully support the Ministry of Internal Affairs, his department was still in its infancy.

Morringan grunted, her thoughts racing. When the idea of Jülgen, the captive succubus Thomas had brought, crossed her mind, her eyes brightened.

"Isn\'t Jülgen a succubus?" Morringan asked, receiving a confirming nod from Thomas. "Yes, and a highly skilled one. She\'d undoubtedly make an excellent spy."

At that moment, Morringan sensed a flicker of concern from Veronica. Morringan had heard of the connection between Veronica and Jülgen.

The thought of Jülgen once being Veronica\'s friend was strange. Veronica was likely upset about her friend\'s captivity.

"Could she perform well as the Minister of Propaganda?"

"Yes, her abilities are quite suitable. Moreover, she could greatly assist Wilfried," Thomas said calmly, glancing at Wilfried. Morringan nodded, satisfied.

"Good. From now on, she will serve as the Minister of Propaganda under Internal Affairs," Morringan said, turning to Wilfried. "I\'ll rely on you for this, Lord Wilfried."

"Don\'t worry, Lady Morringan. There won\'t be any issues."

"Good," Morringan replied, then turned to George. "George, how is the army?"

George straightened up, cleared his throat, and replied in a calm yet formal tone. "We\'ve dismissed many socialists and imperial opponents from the army. My primary concern is their potential unification under rebellion, Your Majesty."

"But they have no one to lead them," Richard interjected, sharing his thoughts. Several others agreed with him. Richard then looked at the map of the western regions spread across the table. "If we\'re planning a purge, whether by cleansing the army or eliminating them all in one night, we need to act decisively."

Morringan paused to hear others\' opinions. Simon spoke up, voicing his perspective. "You might find this surprising, but war seems like a more logical solution."

"Why?" Morringan inquired curiously.

Simon quickly elaborated, "During war, we could use them as cannon fodder against enemy armies. While the enemy exhausts themselves, our main forces would remain effective and strong."

"This is actually a good idea," Wilfried added, supporting the plan. Eventually, Morringan approved as well. "Alright, let\'s assign these imperial opponents to specific units. Ensure they\'re stationed far from rural areas and sent to the front lines."

At this point, Rachel intervened. "But is this really a good idea? If other kingdoms see these armies, they might assume we\'re preparing for war."

"Let them think," Morringan said coldly. "We fear no one. If they come to this land seeking war, the only thing they will find is death."

As silence enveloped the room, Morringan continued. "Now that\'s settled, Veronica, is your report ready?"

Veronica quickly nodded and handed the necessary report to Morringan. Morringan began reading it. As she continued, one of the Imperial Guards suddenly burst into the room, startling everyone.

"I seek the Empress\'s great mercy!" The soldier saluted first before explaining. "An uninvited guest has arrived, claiming to be an envoy of the Aurelia Republic!"

Morringan furrowed her brows and looked at Rachel. Rachel bit her lip. "Such a diplomatic visit was not expected. They\'ve come without notice."

Even George frowned. Could Aurelia be attempting a show of force? To trespass into Drachenreich\'s borders without permission was a blatant disregard for their sovereignty, implying they saw themselves as equals—or worse, as superior.

"Very well, summon them in," Morringan ordered icily. Her face was hidden behind her veil, leaving everyone to wonder what she was thinking.

The Imperial Guard bowed and quickly withdrew. Shortly after, the envoy entered, accompanied by a group of aides and attendants.

The envoy was a striking young man with blond hair, blue eyes, and a small earring. He appeared unusually young for his rank. As he entered, Rachel\'s stern and merciless gaze scrutinized him.

The envoy, however, bowed slightly and, with an unreadable smile on his lips, addressed Morringan. "It is an honor to meet you, Lady Morgana."

"I wish I could say the same, Envoy," Morringan replied bluntly. The envoy chuckled softly, unfazed by her rudeness. "Madame, je suis la mer Armand. To meet a legend whose name graces the annals of history is beyond thrilling."

Morringan\'s dark aura manifested, pressing down on Armand with a subtle yet menacing force. Though his eyes widened briefly in surprise, Armand quickly composed himself and maintained a formal smile.

"I\'ve come to deliver an offer," he said. "A valuable proposal sent by the Prime Minister himself…"

"Stop wasting time and spit it out, boy," Wilfried interjected coldly. Armand laughed lightly, amused by the frigid reception, but did not delay further. "The Prime Minister expressed his wish to see you as an autonomous state allied with the Aurelia Republic."

As the words left his mouth, Morringan\'s mana surged, filling the room with an overwhelming presence. The walls trembled, and everyone\'s bodies tensed. Even Armand instinctively stepped back as Morringan\'s gaze grew colder.

"Did you truly think you could come here and threaten me? Remember this: this is Drachenreich. Those who enter never leave."

Armand coughed, sweat dripping down his cheek as his mana shielded him from the crushing aura, barely allowing him to withstand it. "It was merely a proposal, I assure you. We have no desire for war."

At Armand\'s words, Morringan\'s aura receded, and the envoy and his aides breathed a sigh of relief. Armand took a moment to compose himself before continuing in a professional tone.

"We are all children of the Goddess," Armand said, his expression strangely devout yet calm. "If we work together, we can all live the lives we deserve. After all, the Goddess sent death into this world for the sake of her children."

"I have no children like you."

Thomas smiled, while Richard and Rachel were visibly impressed. Even Emily managed a small grin. George let out a hearty laugh from his chest.

A cold smirk appeared on Morringan\'s lips, mocking Armand and his foolish words. Wilfried\'s lips curled in faint approval.

Armand\'s face contorted in frustration as he realized there was no point in continuing. "Very well, but you\'ll regret this."

Armand left the room. Morringan merely sneered, mentally noting to teach the Aurelia Republic a lesson. She then sighed and brought the cabinet meeting to a close.