They don't want me to try anymore.

Therefore, Richard was merely using this as a pretext to seize the opportunity and take drastic measures to reorganize the internal affairs.

Even so, this was a political storm that Vanderbilt hadn't experienced in decades.

In an instant, blood flowed like rivers across the country.

Your swift and decisive actions have intimidated the entire Vatican.

No one dares to openly oppose you anymore, at least not a living person.

People called that night the Blood Feast, and your newborn daughter earned the title of Princess of Slaughter.

Although your political enemies still retain considerable strength, they have been completely outmatched by your sudden attack after years of preparation.

After you have initially stabilized the situation, personally seek out Alice and frankly express your wariness of the Empire and your ambition to deepen reforms, and ask her to trust you.

[...While you were frank, you still used trusted confidants to isolate the inside and outside of the palace.]

Although he had a slight advantage, Richard knew he was far from being able to feel at ease.

The conservative nobles still had the ability to instigate a civil war, but they were stunned by the attack and failed to organize themselves.

At this point, Alice's attitude is crucial.

Putting aside other matters, Vanderbilt also has legendary-level old monsters, but they are all semi-retired and cannot be mobilized by local nobles, but the legitimate empress most likely has that ability.

If Alice insists on resisting... things will get very complicated, and Richard will have to resort to more extreme measures.

That would have been even more dramatic, but that's what Richard didn't want to do.

It all depends on what Your Majesty chooses...

the other side.

"Why, why go to this extent? Whether it's reform or defending against the empire, couldn't it have been done more slowly...?"

Alice stared at the constantly flashing words, utterly bewildered.

Moreover, Richard's behavior reminded her of her uncle Ferdinand, inevitably causing her some disappointment...

But after thinking it over, she did not resist and stayed in the palace at home.

She has made up her mind.

This simulation is to repay Richard's kindness during the last simulation, so no matter what Richard does, she will support him to the end.

Alice has tacitly approved of all your actions; from now on, you will have no rivals in the Central Government.

Locally, a few nobles started a rebellion, but it was all quelled with the help of your loyal students.

[You began to vigorously promote reforms in all aspects, investigate and punish corruption, improve the personnel system, and clean up land abuses... At the same time, you also built a defensive line against the empire in the north, and used a large amount of money to build the most advanced ironclad fleet, so that Vanderbilt was always ready for all-out war.]

Following a brief period of turmoil, Vatican City's national strength rose again.

But your reputation continues to deteriorate.

Rumors are circulating that you imprisoned Queen Alice, and you are being called a despicable usurper and a cruel dictator.

[Due to the immense pressure caused by your long-term preparations, even your trusted confidants within the interest group you personally cultivated have begun to feel somewhat uneasy and have developed resentment towards you.]

But under your immense prestige and power, they dared not show anything.

Everyone is waiting for the right opportunity.

Need an opportunity?

Okay, I'm giving you a chance. Now it's up to you whether you can seize it.

Richard took a deep breath and began the final stage of the plan.

[You knew the situation was becoming increasingly tense, yet you didn't stop reforms and military buildup for a moment, continuing to eliminate opponents with the harshest methods to consolidate your power.]

[If you can't resolve the conflict, you deal with the person causing it; this has always been your approach.]

The entire Vatican is shrouded in the fear you've brought.

[But contrary to what outsiders think, although you imprisoned Alice in the palace, you did not treat her with the slightest disrespect. You still used a lot of resources to help Alice improve her health and enhance her magic power, and you also gave her a lot of magical equipment.]

Meanwhile, you secretly allowed rumors to circulate that you had imprisoned the Empress, quietly supported the forces within Vanderbilt that were demanding the return of power to the Empress, and promoted military academy students who sympathized with Alice.

everything's ready……

Huh?

On this day, as you were returning to the capital after inspecting an armory, a gigantic black dragon descended upon you.

Wait, what kind of emergency is this?

Black Dragon... is that the one that appeared during the second simulation? Vander's trump card?

They finally couldn't stand my behavior anymore and came to punish me?

Under the terrifying pressure, all your followers fainted, but you were deliberately avoided and remained unharmed.

Surprised and confused, you barely managed to remain calm and asked the other person why they had come.

[The dragon spoke in a haughty, feminine voice: "Richard Targaryen, you are going to die."]

"While you were away from the capital, your opponents colluded within the city and orchestrated a flawless ambush. If you return, you will surely die."

"Your only way out is to come with me now, and I can save you."

Oh, so it seems she's not Van Dan's trump card?

So which side is she on?

Richard believed the information brought by the dragon; he had anticipated this situation.

It is precisely because of this...

He has absolutely no intention of avoiding it!

This is part of the plan!

You refused the dragon's offer and insisted on returning to the capital.

【Then……】

You were then snatched up by a giant dragon and lifted into the sky.

"Idiot, do you think you can just refuse my kindness? You're coming with me today, no one can stop you! Hehehe..."

ha?

I've only ever heard of dragons abducting princesses, but today they're abducting the prime minister? I'm the princess's father!

Because I have the [Dragon Knight] trait? Or because she's a female dragon? That's ridiculous!

Moreover, with such a huge difference in size and strength, if something were to really happen... what right do I, with my small frame, have to compete?

Richard shuddered and immediately began to struggle with all his might.

[Faced with dragon claws thicker than your waist, your struggles are futile.]

The dragon is carrying you higher and higher; you're almost able to look down on the capital city...

In the distant underground palace, the black dragon chuckled, shaking the ground and causing the chains around its body to rattle incessantly.

Good, this time, the idiot has finally lived a little longer!

Although she was annoyed that he had fallen into someone else's arms, after observing him for a few years, she realized that this fool had already angered both heaven and man, and she couldn't help but excitedly pat the little dragon claw that was more than ten meters long.

They were about to kill you, and I saved you. You should be grateful, right?

In return, you can stay by my side from now on. That's not too much to ask, is it?

Hehehe, hehehe...

Huh? etc……

hateful!

Suddenly, a golden light exploded in the sky.

On the other hand, Richard's spirits lifted.

The chance to escape has arrived!

You hear the dragon roar, "Bitch, you've recovered pretty quickly..."

[Amidst the violent shaking, you feel yourself regaining your freedom and rapidly descending.]

Just before you were about to be smashed into a pulp, you displayed the skill expected of a Silver-rank mage, casting a levitation spell and landing safely.

Looking up, you realize you've landed on the streets of the capital. Looking around, you see hundreds of fully armed, masked men, seemingly lying in ambush...

hiss……

The dragon said earlier that someone wanted to assassinate me?

So now I'm... delivered to their doorstep?

Sensing the intense killing intent, you didn't hesitate, decisively casting a magical shield around yourself and heading straight for the palace!

Chapter Forty-Six: Man Lifts Roof, Woman Opens Window

"Traitor to the nation, today is your death day!"