The Queen Who Shares Love
Chapter 25 Gerald Research

Rose bowed before the Emperor and the second Empress. As usual he was asked to face the Emperor to report information regarding the First Empress. The loyalty of the Imperial Witch to the Emperor was commonplace.

"What information did you get from Empress Leticia, the Imperial Witch?" ask Braun.

"The First Empress has not told me anything important, Your Majesty. I just heard he went to the temple." Rose still bowed and lowered her head. Very presumptuous when he dared to look into the Emperor's eyes.

"If any of his actions are suspicious, report them to me" Braun ordered.

"Okay, Your Majesty."

Rose retreats. Keep the expression on his face to look convincing. He becomes a double agent pretending to spy on Leticia. He reported something fake to Braun. Braun knew the relationship between Leticia and Braun. However, he did not know how close their relationship was. They trust each other. Rose will not betray Leticia. 

Rose reported Braun's moves to Leticia. Every time he was called, Rose would tell Leticia. They have been working together for a long time.

It's time for Rose to meet Leticia. Asking his circumstances, telling him about Braun then reporting the information to Braun. Rose wanted to overthrow Braun's government so soon that there was no need to do anything like this anymore

***

Gerald stood in front of a fairly magnificent building, but not as luxurious as his residence. He had already made an appointment with the owner of the residence that was in front of him. The plan made by the First Empress, she followed one by one.

In fact he still did not trust the First Empress completely. The wife of the enemy helped restore her reputation was hard to believe. Each time he carried out the plan, Gerald was more careful to anticipate the traps he made.

Then, why did she accept the First Empress' offer? The golden eyes of the woman were like a small light that was in the darkness. Make the view look clearer that is able to encourage a person not hesitate to walk.

A light of hope to shine on the slumped conditions, making anyone will reach the hope that may be false. Gerald wanted to hold onto it, though perhaps that hope would lead him into the deepest darkness, then disappear, leaving him alone.

If one day the First Empress betrays him, Gerald will make the woman suffer the same as him. Tortured him by killing his closest people one by one and then beheading him. 

Gerald clenched his hand. He hoped it wouldn't happen. 

The butler of this residence escorted the cruelest guest in the Empire to the owner of this residence. The butler's leg trembled, Gerald trying not to look at it. This kind of treatment was not until when he had to accept it.

Now, he was already dealing with a slightly fat man with a thick mustache. He watched the man in front of him closely. Life of the ruler prospered, while the population in his territory was hit by misfortune.  Viscount Gremaroft welcomed Gerald with a smile of his business.

"So what are you here for, Mr Grand Duke?"

"I hear you are donating at the temple in large numbers Viscount," Gerald said without further ado.

Viscount Gremaroft's face turned tense. It was as if Gerald had caught him making a mistake. What the First Empress said seemed to be true. Viscount Gremaroft's evil actions had something to do with the temple.

"Right, Mr. Grand Duke. I have been donating at the temple for a long time." Viscount Gremaroft tried to answer calmly, although it still looked terrified in his eyes.

"By donating does your reputation get better?" 

The Viscount's countenance was more relaxed than before. Alertness down. The question Grand Duke Faust was asking was not about what he thought.

"Of course, Mr. Grand Duke. People will see me as a generous person." Viscount's fake smile grew wider. Realizing that he is not in danger.

"Is there any other way than donating to improve your reputation?" 

Gerald's questions are still swirling on reputation. This was one of Leticia's plans so that the Viscount would not be wary of Gerald. With Gerald inquiring about his reputation, it would result in Viscount Gremaroft thinking the purpose of Grand Duke Faust coming his residence was to restore his reputation. Rumors of Gerald coming at the temple must have spread, so Viscount Gremaroft must have believed Gerald had no covert intentions other than wanting to restore his reputation.

"I hear you often come to the village near the temple. Why are you going there?" 

Viscount Gremaroft frowned.

"Some of the children there are missing. I'm trying to solve the problem there. Even though I've tried to increase security there, kidnappings still happen."

Viscount Gremaroft looks sad. Gerald just looked at him coldly. 

"Then how did the citizens react there, even though you couldn't solve the problem, Viscount?"

"They still welcome me kindly. With my arrival, the complaints of the villagers will feel responded to. This is also one way to increase reputation, Grand Duke." 

"That's how it looks like you're worth a try."

Gerald's play made Viscount Gremaroft even more excited.

The fat man spoke at length about his business. He wants Gerald to work with him. The arrival of Grand Duke Faust was an opportunity for him to advance his business. 

Gerald did not care at all about the words of the fat man in front of him. Over time he felt tired of hearing the nonsense that was delivered by the man.

"How about you take me around at your residence, Viscount?" ask Gerald. He wanted to shut the mouth of the man who had been talking non-stop.

"Of course, Mr. Grand Duke." 

Viscount Gremaroft stood up quickly to guide Grand Duke Faust. One sign Grand Duke Faust would accept his offer.

They went around looking at Gremaroft's residence. Gerald's eyes were fixed on a door made of wood without any carvings or decorations, in contrast to other doors in the Gremaroft residence. Viscount Gremaroft immediately spoke to Gerald again. Gerald slowly ignored the door, following Viscount Gremaroft who took him back around.

Gerald's headed to the horse-drawn carriage. Viscount Gremaroft ushered him with a business smile. Gerald did not return the man's smile. He got into his carriage, and soon left Gremaroft's residence. He made the fat man dream of something that would not happen.

***

Two men in black walked into Gremaroft's residence. They also wear black face coverings. The bodyguards in the residence had already been knocked unconscious by the two people 

"Where should I go, sir?" ask the small man. It looks like a girl.

"You go to the left. I'll go to the right. You remember the plan I showed you, don't you?" ask the big guy to be sure. It looks like a man.

"Of course, sir."

The big man gave a sign to launch a plan. They soon split up.

The big man had already memorized the path in Gremaroft's residence. He asked Viscount Gremaroft to guide him around the residence so that he could memorize the street in this residence.

Gerald immediately headed for the wooden door without the carvings and decorations that caught his attention earlier. The feeling was that there was something behind that door. Something Viscount Gremaroft has hidden. Secrets that can bring him down.

Gerald has come to that doorstep. He tried to open that door. Locked. He forcefully opened it without inflicting any damage using his aura.

Her eyes widened. He made sure of what was in front of him. He couldn't believe seeing that.